Hugh Hopper Two Rainbows Daily CD

This 1980 album represents the coming together of two British jazz-rock giants. Bassist Hopper first made his mark with Soft Machine, while keyboardist Gowen is best known for his work with Canterbury prog/fusion outfit National Health. As Gowen would soon die an untimely death from leukemia, this is one of his final recordings. The duo uses the lack of any other personnel as an opportunity to create space in the music, rather than trying to fill up all the holes. These gracefully introspective instrumentals feature Gowen's trademark flowing analog synth and Hopper's unique high-register bass work in equal measure.

The mood is autumnal throughout, but never bleak, and the interplay between the two seems both sophisticated and heartfelt. At times, Gowen lays down the harmonic structure while Hopper leans into the melody. Elsewhere it's Hopper who lays the framework with full chords on the bass, while Gowen engages in Minimoog rhapsodies. Ultimately, the two men sound like part of a larger instrument, spinning out four-handed reams of thoughtful, electronic jazz.

A classic from 1980 from these two fine composers & instrumentalists (bass & keyboards) who are best known for their work with Soft Machine (Hugh) Gilgamesh (Alan and Hugh) and National Health (Alan). While rich in sound due to overdubs, this doesn't have a full band sound, & this rather stripped-down approach makes for a 'intimate' release filled with crafty melodies & subtle tonal colors.

This album was sampled by J. Dilla for the hit album Like Water For Chocolate by the million-selling artist Common!

Recording information: 139 Trinity Road, Tooting, London GB (06/02/1980-09/21/1980); South Hill, Bracknell GB (06/02/1980-09/21/1980).

Personnel: Alan Gowen (keyboards); Nigel Morris (percussion).

Audio Remasterer: Rob Williams .