Item Description

Drummer Whit Dickey and cornetist Kirk Knuffke bring their sophomore album, after “Fierce Silence” from some years ago. Knuffke seems to like small settings, with pianists (Harold Danko, Jesse Stacken, Karl Berger), reedists (Ben Goldberg), bassists (Michael Bisio) or drummers (Mike Pride, Whit Dickey), but with each of those other musicians, the music is different, from modern jazz with traditional influences to free outings such as this one. Despite my joy of listening to Knuffke’s playing, his music is not always the right fit for this blog, but this one surely is. Dickey is the initiator of much of the music here, offering the intro, with his typical lyrical open-ended playing, creating implicit rhythmic foundations for the horn to add the melodic element. Both instruments use the full sounds they are intended for: straightforward and authentic, direct and warm. Yet the music isn’t. It’s meditative at times, soaring at others, playful or with a deep moaning sound. Never violent, always intimate and fresh. Always free. A great sequel to a great predecessor.

Whit Dickey – drums
Kirk Knuffke – trumpet

Side A
SOARING
WEAVE 1
WEAVE 2

Side B
LEGBA SEQUENCE – DREAM 1
LEGBA SEQUENCE – DREAM 2
OBLIQUE BLESSING