mirthful myths by Frank Gratkowski | Simon Nabatov

It smashes and cracks, scurries and grumbles, groans and moans: Noises are the basis and starting point for thematic motifs such as eloquent solos that are bundled into coherent pieces. The CD presented by the duo Frank Gratkowski and Simon Nabatov brings together six of them. The saxophonist and the pianist, whose artistic careers have repeatedly crossed paths in various constellations for three decades, now appeared for the first time in the smallest, most intimate formation, the duo. Improvisations develop from scratch, freely and spontaneously. For Gratkowski, who has already dealt with Schönberg and is always looking for proximity to new music, dramaturgy and form are decisive. Noises, even of the quiet, delicate kind, are not produced for their own sake, but are rather a driving force for the exploration of instrumental virtues. Finally, in a free field, improvisation and composition imperceptibly combine. The duo is of restrained brilliance and playful elegance. Despite all the sound work, there is always an intensive, precise interplay and illuminates the cosmos of long experience. To come back to the CD title, it is on the trail of its own myths, the happy ones of course.

Reiner Kobe, Jazz Podium May 2017