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Pat Mallinger with Dan Trudell - Dragon Fish
Pat Mallinger – Tenor, alto and soprano saxophones; flute
Dan Trudell – Piano
Saxophone and piano duet albums have a long and venerable tradition in jazz. From Sidney Bechet and Martial Solal to Dave Brubeck and Paul Desmond, and most famously Mal Waldron and Steve Lacy, these records run the gamut from trad jazz to free improvisations. The latest entry into this catalogue is Pat Mallinger and Dan Trudell’s Dragon Fish. The ten pieces are set up as a relaxed intelligent conversation between two friends. Mallinger is a multi-reedist who is equally skilled on flute and three saxophones––soprano, alto and tenor––while Trudell is a unique voice on the piano. The two are very compatible in their musical vision.
The tracks run the range from the modal and expansive improvisations on “Diffuse,” the funkier beats of “Pigeon Peas” and from the quiet melancholy of “Dear James” to the subtly tender “Madeline’s Lullaby.” Although the record is issued under Mallinger’s name, both musicians are equal partners in the creative process of interpretation and improvisation (though Mallinger composed most of the tunes).
The music bears a strong imprint of Western classical music, yet does not lose the freer aspects of jazz. Mallinger’s sound on the alto is reminiscent of Lee Konitz, and his flute is airier more ethereal than the muscular sounds of hard bop flutists mainstream jazz listeners are used to. Dan Trudell’s pianism is so ethereal, yet intelligent and substantial, that listening to him the first time on this session it is hard to guess that he is also a soulful and gritty Hammond B3 organist.
The variety tempos and moods keep the music interesting across the entire CD, although the solos do get a tad monotonous on few of the songs. This, however, is a minor issue as the superior musicianship of the two players and their comfort in each other’s company, keep the music interesting and intriguing.
––Hrayr Attarian
By: Hrayr Attarian
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