Cooper-Moore/Gauci: Conversations Vol. 2 (577 Records/bandcamp)

Two years ago we pointed listeners in the direction of the first volume of these aural Conversations between New York pianist Cooper-Moore and tenor player Stephen Gauci.

Of the six improvisations on that first volume we said, “if you were to impose a vague concept on this you could hear these pieces charting a dawn to late evening course as the final, slower bluesy improvisation conjures up inner city New York after the jazz clubs have emptied out, the patrons have gone home and the musicians are winding down together in a darkened room where the chairs are already up on the tables.

“No, no one would say that this is easy, but as we so often have to observe about these 577 Records releases, this is highly rewarding . . . with the caveat that this kind of music is not unfamiliar.

“Start with Two and Six. They could really win you over.”

The sequel recorded at the same live sessions is similar in that for every challenging, abrasive and astringent piece (Eight, Thirteen) there is also another piece which is poignant, bluesy and romantic (Nine which does get brusque, and Ten) then pieces like Seven which sit somewhere between.

As before we suggest judicious sampling, but do have a go.

This New York improvised music can really be something.

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You can hear this album at Spotify here