Palae

Improv with a modern-classical air, a bit serious and jaunty at the same time. European veteran types on piano, clarinet, and bass. Frank Gratkowski on clarinet tends to steal the show, either with cool fast playing or wacky sound effects, but it's Achim Kaufmann on piano who defines much of the overall sound here. Wilbert De Joode on bass gets to add some strong free playing.

1- Quick pecking
2- Quirky piano; deep LOW contrabass clarinet. Playful; gets into a low-blowing contest at the end
3- Playful active classical, descends into dark madness.
4- Slow groaning, tiptoeing.
5- Careful start, w/clacks and springy sounds (inside-the-piano noodling). Gains a chaotic, dark momentum.
6- Strong, organic feel -- straightforward, jazz-related playing. Middle part offers a nice showcase for piano and bass. Crazy clarinet makes for a fun third act. Great track; also the longest (13 mins.)
7- Dark, slow start; develops into a nicely tumbling toneless feel led by piano. Gets intense and crazy later on; brusque ending.