Poor Arthur Blythe's recording history has been analyzed ad nauseum. From great black hope to commercial fizzle, Blythe's early promise has not always been fulfilled, even though he has produced some outstanding albums. This scintillating set of fifteen original duets (with a solo piece thrown in) with cellist David Eyges should help restore the saxophonist's somewhat tarnished reputation. Totally exposed in this format, with plenty of time to stretch, Blythe proves himself a formidable pro, with an acerbic, blues-drenched tone that purrs, caresses, and slices across genres. The underrated Eyges is a stunning stylist, and one of the few masters of the electrified cello. Whether as a soloist or in tandem, Eyges brings an exciting and original vision. With a varied mix, and short tracks (nothing more than five minutes), Blythe and Eyges have scored an attractive collection. - Steve Loewy
Our music draws from several sources - the blues, folk music, jazz standards. Aside from the interplay, the most important element of this music is our of time. The time in this music is fluid. With just the two players, there is a spareness, as well as a warmth. The melodic and rhythmic developments provide the flow.
We'd like the listener to enjoy this disc as much as we enjoyed playing together - Arthur Blythe·David Eyges
Tracks
01. The John & The Sam
02. Gee's Minor Mood
03. Calling Mr. Blythe
04. American Forms 2
05. Warne Waltz
06. Eleven + Six
07. Prayer
08. Worker Bee
09. Something Like You
10. N Double Flat
11. My Sun Ra
12. Today's Blues
13. Randy Andy
14. No Solitude
15. Jig Tag
16. Encore
ARTHUR BLYTHE alto saxophone
DAVID EYGES electric cello
Music composed by Arthur Blythe & David Eyges
Recorded at The Spirit Room, Rossie, NY, August 11 &12, 1997
CIMP – CIMP 158