SLAMCD552 Glen Hall & Bernie Koenig – Overheard Conversations

This first SLAM CD by a duo of Canadian musicians, saxophonist Glen Hall and drummer Bernie Koenig, is a studio recording from August 2013. It features eleven tracks of impromptu improvisation and “For George”, a Koenig original.

The improvised tracks bear titles taken from typical snippets of overheard conversation as would be heard in a bar or restaurant; the mood of the music reflecting the snatched phrase.

Within the confines of the wind and percussion combination the duo explores a surprising range of textures and composition extended by their choice and range of instruments in different combinations.

Glen Hall: soprano and tenor saxophone, flute, bass flute
Bernie Koenig: drums, vibes

“A reflective and comfortable musical conversation between reeds and percussion…Like old friends winding down their conversation before they part, the reedist and percussionist save their excursions into chamber jazz for the last few duets. With Koenig’s sparkling vibraphone strokes attaining sonorous swing, the unique multi-colours Hall sources from his flute on tunes such as “I Understand Why You Are So Melancholy” reflect the skills of these sophisticated communicators who can comfortably express emotions instrumentally.” – Ken Waxman, The WholeNote

“Things get quite free on the duet session between Bernie Koenig (who switches between drums and vibes) and Glen Hall (who works on tenor sax, soprano sax, flute and bass flute). The eleven “impromptu improvisations” get quite thunderous as tenor and drums go toe to toe on the hard hitting “Hollow, How Ya Doin” and “Time For A Stiff Drink.” They get a bit chicka boomy on “Look At Her” yet get more thoughtful when Koenig goes over to vibes to meld with Hall’s flute on “Give It Some Time.” Soprano and vibes work well together also to create some sparks to fly as on “I Understand…” About as subtle as Ali and Frazier!” – George Harris, Jazz Weekly

“I believe you’ll be amazed at the fluidity with which these reed/drum/vibraphone conversations are conducted. Pieces like “The News Isn’t Good” make you feel just like the title of the conversation indicates… anticipating! “Look At Her” will make you stand up & take notice, no doubt about it. Glen’s reeds join Bernie’s drums/vibes in a very pleasurable improv session that you won’t soon forget – and will, in fact, find yourself coming back to often.” – Rotcod Zzaj, Improvijazzation Nation

All tracks composed by Glen Hall and Bernie Koenig, except “For George” by Koenig
Recorded at Studio 105 London Ontario, Canada, August 19 2013
Recorded by Richard Moule
Mastering by Richard Moule and Bernie Koenig

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