Producer Howie Lee continues his jazz explorations on this collaborative LP with drummer and percussionist Liú Pī. I’m a huge fan of this and all of Lee’s work, and the synth playing and production is as brilliant as ever. Liú Pī I was unfamiliar with but his playing is instantly engaging and extremely impressive- to say nothing of his excellent chemistry with Lee.

The record starts off interesting but subtle, and works in and out of atmospheric and groovy moments. Everything is delivered with an ear for detail, and each song is good at keeping your attention while bucking your expectations. The palette of sounds both artists use are diverse and natural. Though two of the tracks are improvised and three are more composed they all have a live quality in both the delivery and recording/production that gives you that engaging, in-the-room feeling that the best jazz records have. It’s one of many ways the record draws your listening in close, letting the details of the rhythm and sounds unfold. Great stuff start to finish, I would love more from this duo.