For those unaware, having previously joined forces on several Louis Sclavis recordings for ECM, including the clarinettist’s last album Characters On A Wall, in recent years Sclavis and pianist Benjamin Moussay increasingly focused on their two-way communication, playing expansive and well-received concerts throughout Europe.

Now, in a programme of originals – two-thirds from the pianist’s pen, the remaining third by the clarinettist – the French duo dreams up a world of chamber conversations that juxtaposes lyrical contemplation with whimsical inventiveness in a joyous, concentrated collaboration.

Thoughtfully, the duo envelopes delicate themes in warm improvisations that never rush, but patiently explore the written material with rare creativity and in fluid dialogues.

1. Unfolding (6:16)
2. Loma del tanto (5:31)
3. None (4:16)
4. A Garden In Ispahan (4:12)
5. Siete Lagunas (2:49)
6. L’heure de loup (3:16)
7. L’étendue (4:41)
8. Somebody Leaves (4:35)
9. Snow (4:47)

Recorded in March 2024, at the Studios La Buissonne, Pernes les Fontaines in France, the new recording opens on the sincerity of the ominously-grafted title track Unfolding and then brings us the inquisitive tones of Loma del tanto, the sterner notes of None and the veritably shimmering A Garden In Ispahan.

Along next is the playfully enraptured Siete Lagunas and the all-embracing nature of L’heure de loup and they are in turn backed seamlessly by the thoughtfully pensive L’étendue, the mischievously skittish Somebody Leaves, the album closing on the emboldened Snow.

Featured Artists:
Louis Sclavis - Clarinet, Bass Clarinet
Benjamin Moussay - Piano

www.benjaminmoussay.net

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