Two different duets between reedman Sylvain Kassap and percussionist Hamid Drake – one live, one studio – recorded six years apart, but sounding wonderful together in this double-length package! The first section is live – and features some very long, open improvisations – with Kassap on a range of clarinets, mostly in the bass range, plus chalumeau as well – as Drake opens up his drum kit with that special sort of magic that's made him a key percussionist in the legacy of rhythm-free drummers like Andrew Cyrille or Pierre Favre. The studio tracks are shorter, but no less beautiful – and have a way of conveying a lot with just a little, thanks especially to some surprisingly soulful expressions by Kassap. Titles include "Sharp Bend", "Wood Splinters", "Mutual Respect", "Black Walnuts", "Heavy Traffic", "Of Course", and "Sharp Light". CD