The Move

A set of duets by trombonist Nils Wogram and pianist Simon Nabatov, The Move features seven compositions by one or the other musician. The playing is pretty free in spots but coherent and thoughtful, exploring sounds, specific ideas, and surprising melodies. One certainly does not expect the ragtime melody of "Itapo" to suddenly emerge seven minutes into the piece. Wogram's tonal distortions throughout the set are both impressive and humorous and he often utilizes multiphonics. Nabatov is right with Wogram, taking a long free improvisation at the beginning of "Herbie and Pierre," acting as a co-equal during the duets and pushing the trombonist. Although the packaging could have been better, the inner sleeve not only lacks liner notes but does not say which musician plays which instrument. The music is continually intriguing, shifting between conventional vamps and much freer interplay.