Review of MATT DAVIS / PHIL DURRANT / MARK WASTELL at JUST OUTSIDE written by BRIAN OLEWNICK

The most recent in Confront's reissue series, an August 2000 date with Davis (trumpet), Durrant (violin) and Wastell (cello). A good set from the early (ish) days of quiet improv, when the word "reductionism" was still in the air. I think, though, you can still detect the vestiges of older-school free improvisation here, especially in the little spurts and starts from Davis and Wastell near the beginning. Durrant, here, is the one that maintains longer, very quiet and sandy lines while the others create tiny explosions around the edges. But some ten minutes in (out of 30), things simmer way down, the space around notes expanding, the contributions from the musicians becoming sparer and, to my ear, more considered. Spare enough that it seems to have engendered a round of premature applause from the audience...There's not so much more I can say about this. If you were aware of what these fellows were up to in 2000 (especially Durrant, circa "dach"), you'll know what to expect. Fine work, do check it out.