SLAMCD315 George Haslam & Paul Hession – Pendle Hawk Carapace

A selection of free duo improvisations between Paul Hession on percussion and George Haslam on baritone saxophone and/or tarogato, recorded in the natural beauty of the Pennines, February 2002.

“Pendle Hawk Carapace is both an absorbing addition to a fine catalogue of free music on SLAM, and a master-class in spontaneous mutual responsiveness.” – Chris Parker

“This summit between saxophonist George Haslam and drummer Paul Hession is long over-due. Collaborators on many projects, this is their first strictly duet meeting on record, produced by Haslam for release on his own label, SLAM. Because of their familiarity with one another’s capabilities, they are well versed in each other’s outlook and as such, their collaboration makes for a worthwhile and enjoyable view into their negotiation of each other’s sensibilities…this set will be of interest to those who enjoy freely improvised music as well as fans of both of these important British creative improvisers.” – Cadence

“Hession is ying to Haslam’s yang here, and while the pair do get violently turbulent at times, they also provide more peaceful and melodic contemplation than their predecessors. Over the beauty of the land, the reedist takes flight, with the hard shell of drum hits shielding him from the elements beyond. I think that about sums up this very interesting disc.” – Fred Barrett, Beyond Coltrane

“An absorbing meeting of musical minds. Hession is a busy percussionist and is ideally suited to this free exchange of ideas. Never too busy to be obtrusive or domineering, but never the less well able to compliment, nudge and cajole the saxophonist into a genuine two way dialogue that avoids the pitfall of becoming too cosy and conversational. A free flowing debate as opposed to idle chatter…The album derives much of its interest not only from the communication from the two participants but also from Haslam’s use of the two horns, alternating on most tracks between the weighty baritone and the folksy cry and timbre of the tarogato. This most satisfying of albums concludes with what is a first for the saxophonist, and a somewhat natural extension of the alternating horns, with George playing both horns simultaneously a la Rahsaan Roland Kirk on an all to brief ‘Eaves End’. Free improvisation of the highest quality.” – François Couture, All Music Guide

“A generous slab of free improv…The contrast between Hession¹s hyperactive playing and Haslam¹s more careful lines turns out to be this album¹s strongest asset. A very satisfying session.” – Nick Lea, Jazz Views

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