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First of all, let's set the record straight. It is
Walter Frank, not "Franks," who makes his recording debut here.
Getting your name misspelled on the cover of your first album
qualifies as tough luck, but having your name, spelled right or
wrong, placed alongside Anthony Braxton's on that same debut album
evens things out. Frank's background is in contemporary music. He
has performed works by post-minimalist composer William Duckworth
and was a student at Wesleyan University when this double set was
recorded. His thundering, rather flamboyant style at the piano
offers an unusual match with Anthony Braxton. Remaining tonal for
the most part, the young man alternates between hammered chords or
clusters and cascading scales. His improvising ideas revolve closer
to instant composition than free improvisation, something
illustrated right from the start of "Improvisation 1," where the
first three notes he plays are an echo of Braxton's first phrase. A
lot of these ideas are quite interesting, like his flurries of
low-register clusters topped by a one-note leitmotif in
"Improvisation 1." But his ample sound often pushes Braxton's
saxophones away. As usual, the teacher lets the student have his way
and weaves snake-charming lines through the interstices. One of his
strongest qualities resides in being able to gracefully highlight
his partner's strengths, and 4 Improvisations (Duets) 2004
may be one of the best illustrations of this aspect of his art.
There are two pieces on each CD of this two-CD set, with each track
between 22 and 27 minutes in duration. "Improvisation 1" is
particularly interesting for the way the musicians immediately
connect. "Improvisation 4" provides the set's highlight, with very
acute listening and a thrilling circular breathing run from Braxton.
François Couture
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