This CD comprises live recordings of sessions by this exciting duo, from both the 1994 and 1995 "What Is Jazz Festival(s)?" at the Knitting Factory in New York City. The ambience is consistently supportive and the duo improvisations by drummer William Hooker and violinist Billy Bang are of a uniformly high order. Here is a rare opportunity to share in the excitement of two superlative artists performing in a splendid, well recorded setting.
Tense passionate dancing. Like air currents… Crossing. Songs that rotate the body.
This concert, part of the 'What Is Jazz Festival', and recorded live in 1994 at the "old" Knitting Factory during its final weeks of operation, afforded Hooker and Bang another rare opportunity to show their "stuff". The two just opened the valves and let the Steam of summer pour out over the crowded room.
The set starts with an almost mischievous, military-like march by Hooker that flows into soft yet powerlul rolls. He then alternates between these two mixing and separating them again. Back to the march and a loud vocal call summoning Bang's arrival. Bang's first string of melodic notes seems to blend with, as well as perfectly extend, Hooker's opening statement while slowly lifting off... more
1. Sweating Brain 17:06
2. Hawk 02:29
3. Electro / Magnetic 05:13
4. Unknown Island 02:43
5. Righteous 07:36
6. Blood and Coffee (Surviving) 07:45
7. Etheric Redemption 10:25
8. Joy (Within)! 09:39
9. Armed 06:32
Billy Bang violin, flute
William Hooker drums, percussion, voice
