Daniel Börtz’s duo uses extremes in an uneasy dialogue that explores timbral similarities between the forces by unconventional means. Its hair-raisingly hushed opening endures and endures, building up an enormous reservoir of tension, before matters are finally broken apart in a central section of great drama and conflict. For the entirety of the bongos vs trumpet engagement, each musician has their own rhythmic grouping—the trumpet’s threes jarring against the petulant groups of four from the drums. A wistful attempt at reconciliation happens thereafter, the trumpet finally achieving the flowing melody much sought after. The unease however, never quite dissipates.

from notes by Colin Currie © 2018