© Sheila Herrick |
Reviewing a recent duo album by Alan Barnes and David Newton I made reference to the empathy between the two players. Empathy and mutual respect are the essential ingredients in any successful duo relationship whether it be romantic, business or, in this case, musical and Garner and Pope certainly have that.
Admittedly different to the empathy between Barnes and Newton but, in its own way, no less meaningful.
Two players, both blessed with an incredible technique, took off on an opening piece that lasted about half an hour during which time they fed off each other encapsulating many moods varying from the melancholic to the dramatic, to a car crash on the Tyne Bridge, to two worlds colliding in outer space. At times the tension was almost unbearable but, nevertheless, compelling.
On stage, between them, was a table full of whistles, bells, shakers and mysterious objects from possibly the dark side of the moon or Outer Cambodia. These were used when one or other of the duo felt the need to spice it up, like adding curry sauce to a bag of chips.
The set concluded with a short workout on Blue Monk (I think). It was all mindblowing, thought provoking stuff and I felt guilty about opting out of the second set but my mind was elsewhere (see previous post).
Next time I promise I'll stay for the whole nine yards. Lance
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