Julian Priester Hints On Light & Shadow CD

This intriguing lineup doesn't quite live up to expectations. Trombonist Julian Priester and saxophonist Sam Rivers come from slightly different perspectives, the former immersed in the bop and post-bop traditions and the elder Rivers known for his more radical harmonic and rhythmic concepts. While the idea of bringing these two very accomplished players together must have appeared to be a no-miss effort, in reality they each seem to be improvising around, rather than with, each other. The third member of the triangle is Tucker Martine, who contributes a less-than-substantial electronic underbrush. The nine tracks sound as though they are freely improvised, and there are moments of lucidity and excitement in which hints of what might-have-been emerge. For example, on "The New System," Rivers' hands slide exotically and energetically on the piano keys to deftly embrace Priester's spacious sounds. Unfortunately, these outstanding moments are the exception rather than the rule, and there are times -- particularly with the electronics (as on "Mister Mayor and Mister Miser") -- when not much is happening. Both Rivers and Priester have recorded more convincingly elsewhere, and admirers of each of these enormous talents will find better examples of their works in other contexts. Overall, a missed opportunity that begs for an encore with a different focus. ~ Steven Loewy

This is an unusual set. Trombonist Julian Priester and Sam Rivers (alternating between tenor, soprano, flute and piano) perform a set of duets that also sometimes include the oddball electronics of Tucker Martine. The nine originals are mostly freely improvised; some strong themes do emerge, and there is some excellent interaction between Priester and Rivers (two underrated giants). However, Martine's electronics are occasionally so bizarre as to be distracting. ~ Scott Yanow

Recorded at Sound On Sound, New York, New York on November 14-15, 1996. Includes liner noptes by Ralph Simon.

Personnel: Julian Priester (trombone); Sam Rivers (flute, soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone, piano); Tucker Martine (electronics).

Audio Mixer: Joe Barbaria.

Recording information: Sound on Sound, New York, NY (11/14/1996/11/15/1996).

Photographer: Joanne Dugan.

Personnel includes: Julian Priester (trombone); Sam Rivers (soprano & tenor saxophones, flute, piano); Tucker Martine (synthesizer).

JazzTimes (8/97, p.82) - "...a welcomed addition to both artists' discographies....exemplary free-wheeling dialogue between Priester and Rivers....the elasticity of Priester and River's banter is enhanced by Martine's pulsating, metallic sounds..."
Jazziz (8/97, pp.77-80) - "...Sam Rivers has one of the most highly developed voices in jazz....this duo CD with the fine trombonist Julian Priester is an example of Rivers' free-blowing brilliance....they're both such able improvisers that moments of revelation are inevitable..."