I You

by François CoutureIt's simple: Whenever Paul Dunmall and Tony Bianco play together, whether in a duet or a bigger formation, sparks fly. I You proves it once more and makes a great follow-up to the Emanem CD Utoma Trio (with saxophonist Simon Picard) released about a year before. The title refers to the first metaphysical distinction the mind of a child works up: I am not all, you are an individual too. But it also invites the listener to take part in the studio session. You, listening at home, complete or validate the work of the two "I"s by your presence. From Bianco emanates a supernatural energy. Relentless, he hits everything near him, constantly, and yet his playing sounds subtle, delicate but forceful. Why? Because, instead of pounding away, he puts soul in his expression, a kind of unspecific spirituality, a yearning to lift Dunmall and himself up to higher planes of consciousness -- not unlike Rashied Ali, for instance. As for the saxophonist, he gives a good, honest performance. To compensate for the drummer's frenzy, he breaks down his interventions, taking time to breath and come up with new melodic ideas. "Eternal Dance" and "Serpent" are high-octane improvisations, while "Bhanuh" and "Broken Treaty" take a more relaxed approach. A good (but not outstanding) album for both musicians, I You lacks only a bit of variety (Dunmall sticks mostly to the soprano saxophone).