Description
“The two pair up on English Suites with fine results. Disc one of this two disc set is a January 11, 1999 studio recording done in Evanston, Illinois. Vandermark alternates between the more groove based playing that he has made a name for and slightly more abstract and in a “freer” fashion. Lytton runs with these moods through busy work that is attuned to what Vandermark, heard mostly on saxophone, is playing. The second disc is fruits of the duo live in concert in Hassle, Belgium on November 20, 1999. Whereas the first disc was more or less one extend performance, there are two sections here. Also, Vandermark is heard doing some slow paced shrieking here which stands in contrast to the first disc. Both sections have a meditative quality that is perhaps more of a natural element for Lytton. The percussionist seems more comfortable as he throws in clashing pieces of metal and strikes cymbals in a way designed to produce something other than the most aesthetically pleasing outcome. Vandermark recorded this disc himself and did an excellent job. Listeners with a good stereo system or headphones are likely to almost feel that Lytton is going at it live in the room.” -MICAH HOLMQUIST, All About Jazz