The second volume of For4Ears’ ongoing series of collaborative efforts finds Tomas Korber (guitar, electronics) and Christian Weber (contrabass) teamed with saxophonist Katsura Yamauchi. I’d recently heard a couple of solo discs from Yamauchi (“Salmo Sax” and “Patiruma”) which, while technically proficient, I thought were overly indebted to Anthony Braxton in both approach and general sound, so I was a little bit dubious about how well he’d be able to integrate with the other two musicians. Happily, I can report he does an outstanding job, blending in quite well, especially with Korber. In fact, as is often the case on recordings where he appears, it’s Weber whose sound stands out though (again, as usual) his musicality allows an overtness that might normally be intrusive to read as appropriate. His bass tolls, with a tonality that reminds me of Sirone, deep and resilient. Offset with this, there’s a lovely effect where Yamauchi’s low, soft bellow emerges from one of Weber’s plucks almost like an overtone. That’s in the first of two tracks, a fine, somber piece that finds its ground and holds it impressively. The second cut plumbs the depths as well, Weber more often arco, Yamauchi manipulating keys, Korber spraying bitter hisses of steam. It contains more agitated motion than the previous piece, less contemplative, itchier, until acquiescing to the calm in its closing minutes. Both work quite convincingly; a good, serious recording.


Brian Olewnick