At the tail-end of January, Idris Rahman and Liran Donin quietly released this record of their duet of reeds and acoustic bass respectively. Recorded over a few hours in a deserted (and subsequently demolished) church in East London, it is a thing of power and beauty.
The sound they produce together is remarkable, perhaps partly down to the space they were using (and admirably recorded by Sam Jones). Aptly for the setting, the music has a deep spiritual quality to it.
At times Rahman’s playing has a middle eastern tinge, particularly on the bass clarinet; at others, his tenor has an emotional, bluesy feel. He is well matched by Donin’s heartfelt bass. Donin bows, slaps and plucks his bass. Adept at creating a groove, he also produces drone-like sounds. Between them, the music grabs one and won’t let go.
That only two people can make such powerful music is a testament to their craft. It is an intimate affair, sometimes upbeat, sometimes reflective, sometimes mournful, and always poignant.
Patrick Hadfield lives in Edinburgh, occasionally takes photographs, and sometimes blogs at On the Beat. Twitter: @patrickhadfield
One Response
Anything Idris Rahman touches turns to gold. Ill Considered, Wildflower, the partnerships with Tamar Osborn – Unknown to KNown, and now this. Absolutely stunning and beautiful.