IRV WILLIAMS & PETER SCHIMKE: Duo

Irv Williams & Peter Schimke

Duo

© 2006 Ding-Dong Music (798576392024)

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Irv Williams tenor saxophone captures a melody's every nuance, and with Peter Schimke on piano, the pair brings a shimmering beauty to a collection of contemplative ballads.

notes

Jazz saxophonist Irv Williams is considered a treasure in the Twin Cities music community, a veteran tenor player with a mastery of melody and a warm, burnished tone. Since his 85th birthday in 2004, Irv has released two CDs, both of them receiving enormous praise and press coverage. “That's All” was selected one of the Top 20 Local Albums of 2004 by the Minneapolis Star Tribune, right alongside Prince, Heiruspecs and other Twin Cites luminaries. Describing Irv's 2005 CD “Dedicated To You” in the Star Tribune, Tom Surowicz remarked, “It's one thing to be prolific and vital at age 85. It's quite another for an artist to be doing some of his best work.”

On the new CD “Duo,” Irv is joined by Peter Schimke, one of the Twin Cities most in-demand piano players. Peter's career began in the heady rock scene of the late 70s / early 80s as drummer with The New Psychenauts. Peter has gone on to perform with people like Mark Murphy, Billy Preston, Mike Gordon of Phish and pretty much every top jazz musician in the Twin Cities (as well as serving as producer for Rita Coolidge and others).

Together, Irv Williams and Peter Schimke bring us “Duo,” a poignant and evocative set of ballads consisting of only saxophone and piano – and heart. The nine tunes include original compositions by Williams and Schimke, as well as the Rogers & Hart standard “My Funny Valentine,” new takes on the work of classical composers, and even a serene stroll through the Western classic “Tumbling Tumbleweeds.” The spare and intimate arrangements provide a whole new showcase for these two familiar players. Irv Williams, known as “Mr. Smooth” for his sheer grace on the sax, is nothing short of conversational on the opening track “Betsi's Song” (written by Irv for his daughter). The Peter Schimke composition “The Vow” paints a solemn musical picture.

This jazz approach to chamber music is quite a departure for the two musicians, who have worked together so often in the Irv Williams Quartet. These close friends and musical collaborators make a great pair on “Duo.”

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  • author: greg sargent

    Duo is so beautiful, it goes far beyond words. Having just these two instruments, played by these two friends not only works, it is pure magic.

  • A mellow treasure brought together through the collaboration of two amazing arti
    author: Micheal Lane

    There is a dreaminess about the music in the Duo CD. Just as wine becomes better with age the depth of harmony and symmetry between Irv and Peter is magnified each time they play together.

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