Norway's Smalltown Superjazz imprint (a division of Smalltown Supersound) follows up 2008's 'SWEETSWEAT' with another Brötzmann/Nilssen-Love duo disc, 'Woodcuts'. The recording comes from an October 2008 club date at Oslo's Kampenjazz, a perfect environment for a pair whose intensity only ratchets up in tight spaces.
Much can be said or read about the legendary German reedsman/hellraiser, Peter Brötzmann. All that's worth repeating is that the 69 year-old's lungs are still made of iron capable of tearing any horn limb from limb. Drummer Paal Nilssen-Love is quick on his heels as one of the brightest exponents of a younger generation of European improvisers. He's well-represented by his fellow countrymen at Smalltown Superjazz (henceforth STSJ), especially in the duo setting. In addition to two discs pitting him against the mighty German and one with Mats Gustaffson, STSJ released one of the strongest discs of duets to come out in the last decade: Joe McPhee & Paul Nilssen-Love's 'Tomorrow Came Today'.
With 'Woodcuts' the pair do almost everything by the book, every move as expected. Brötzmann seldom takes a reactionary role, but with a partner as quick witted as Nilssen-Love he's bound to shout almost drunkenly as the drummer hurls whips and slashes ahead of him. That particular situation, of course, tends to occur at the beginning of an idea; Nilssen-Love is quicker than Brötzmann out of the gate, but a few strides in and they're neck and neck. Until the whistle blows, the pair lock in a virile sparring match -- with the exception of a few relatively calm moments, this disc is not for the weak. Their previous piece, 'SWEETSWEAT', while certainly cut from the same cloth, featured the duo actually drawing blood. But this time out the burn is controlled and, for my money, the record is better for it. 'Woodcuts' introduces more form to the whole and, coupled with the crystalline sound quality of STSJ recordings, a document apart from the usual out-blown saxophone and power-drumming cutting contest (sample my idea of perfection through the previously mentioned McPhee/Nilssen-Love STSJ album). Brutal has much to offer!
Peter Brötzmann is intriguing enough as a duo player (and otherwise) to do nothing more for the rest of his life than offer up searing tirades in hope of a worthy response. Such a record will find acclaim, but I could just as easily take it or leave it. While my brain settles from the speedy enthusiasm of 'Woodcuts', I'll start anticipating the next episode in the Brötzmann/Nilssen-Love saga.
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