released November 1, 1976

REVIEWS

"Schlippenbach’s art consists of seeing where gaps might be made in previous approaches and manufacturing them at one stage only to fill them in at another. The process, amounting to a self-imposed auto dissection, is in itself fascinating; and like the Globe Unity music of a decade ago, Schlippenbach’s music is a creature of process if nothing else. He, like Monk, recalls everything before in his heritage..." -- CODA magazine

"[T]hese performances run a wide gamut especially considering their sparse instrumentation. Neither man is absolute leader or follower. Instead a fluid propulsory pact exists in their interplay allowing either one to upend the tables and light out in a new trajectory, partner in tow." --Derek Taylor, All About Jazz

"That opener, “Kurz vor Mitternacht mit Walzer plus”, shares some gentle humor, with von Schlippenbach indulging his best salon piano and a little waltz that ticks along on Johansson’s respectfully tidy drumming. A double shot of Monk offers hooks for reference while showing different aspects of their shared understanding. “Evidence” swings, even when the pulse, like the bass, is implied. That any new recording of “Round Midnight” could be startling vindicates their research; this is bone yard trek, with the pianist plucking away from the inside out. Johansson is alert at the traps with a sixth sense for measuring detail and density, but he opens even stranger new territory when he leaves the traps to play accordion and/or sing. With no arrogant claim to virtuosity – although he can play the thing – he makes instant invention friendlier." -- CODA magazine (reviewing the CD reissue)

Alexander von Schlippenbach: piano
Sven-Åke Johansson: drums, accordion, vocal

Recorded live by Jost Gebers on April 15th,1976, during the concert series Jazz Now at the Quartier Latin in Berlin.

Mastered by Jonas Bergler.
Produced by Jost Gebers.

Cover design by Wolf Walt.
Photographs by Dagmar Gebers.