By Hrayr Attarian
Pianist Carol Liebowitz and alto saxophonist Nick Lyons are kindred spirits not only because they studied with erudite pianist Connie Crothers, but also because they are thoughtful and sensitive improvisers. Liebowitz excels in duet settings with like-minded saxophonists and her sublime The Inner Senses is her second collaboration with Lyons, a dozen years after the brilliant First Set (Line Art Records, 2017). In the intervening time between the two dates the pair’s synergy has crystallized and matured.
Liebowitz and Lyons improvise freely without sacrificing lyricism. For instance, Lyons opens “Phantasm” with a bluesy solo. Liebowitz enters with a series of resonant chords. The contemplative exchanges create an otherworldly atmosphere with an undercurrent of meditative spirituality. Liebowitz’s reverberating notes echo against silent pauses building a loose rhythmic framework within which Lyons weaves sparse, introspective lines. The expressive conversation is thought-provoking and accessible, pushing the boundaries of the music but never giving in to full-on dissonance.
Nine of the 10 pieces on the album are spontaneously created and the tenth is a Crothers composition “Ontology”. The pair plays the soulful theme in unison before diverging into independent and complementary performances. The shimmering melody flows within an expectant ambience as each musician embellishes it with angular and expressive phrases. Despite the overlap of simultaneous yet individual monologues the result is moving and quite harmonious further underscoring the sublime camaraderie within the duo.
The title track, meanwhile, also has a pensive mood with a haunting cascade of piano notes within which Lyons weaves sinewy refrains. The dialogue has a reserved passion that boils to the surface frequently while the duo flirts frequently with atonality. As the tune evolves, the musical discourse becomes more fiery yet naturally concludes on a solemn note.
This intimate meeting of inventive minds is a multilayered work that makes for a rewarding listening experience. It is a superb example of synergistic creativity, and both provocative and delightful. Hopefully Liebowitz and Lyons will continue to collaborate in the future.