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Lively conversations between piano and saxophone by two major figures of European jazz, the Berlin-based Aki Takase and Daniel Erdmann (Reims). After many successfull BMC releases - two albums of Daniel Erdmann's Velvet Revolution (German Record Critics Prize, Echo Prize, SWR Jazz Prize) and a recording of Aki Takase's Japanic formation featuring Erdmann -, they present this fantastic duo.

Track Listing

Press Quotes

While the tunes are composed, with credit alternating between the players, the motifs of each tune digs the foundation upon which improvised construction is built, demolished and rebuilt. The set closes with their take on 'Isn't it Romantic?' which begins with a slow, slurred sax introduction to a jaunty ragtime swing as a whimsical nod to the history of the tune. Throughout Takase keeps a left-hand rhythm that roots the tune in its history, but around this Erdmann weaves sax lines that move from bop to avant-garde, coaxing Takase to add right-hand flourishes that follow these twists - and all of this without losing the melody.

     —Chris Baber, jazzviews.net (UK)

«Isn't It Romantic?» I don't know. What I know is: the album's music is a fest, a fest of bright colors, inner fire, broad and hidden smiles, cool coherent gestures, strong attacks, laid-back strolling, fiery rocket-rides...

     —Henning Bolte, salt-peanuts.eu

... Takase's latest recordings focus on small groups performing a mix of original compositions and free improvisations, each reflecting a slightly different side of her work, but each supplying a series of near-perfect vignettes.

     —Steven Loewy, The New York City Jazz Record 

Overall, this is an excellent duo album, although can be demanding, manages beautifully to create a romantic feeling, as expressed by modern Jazz at its best. It is full of great performances and unexpected musical vistas, which are truly unique.

     —Adam Baruch, adambaruch.com (ISR)

A time-honored challenge in improvised music, the model saxophone-piano meeting is neither a match nor a chase. Instead it's a declaration of how well both partners can equally express themselves within a compound situation... You can't go wrong...

     —Ken Waxman, JazzWord (CAN) - split-review