This CD takes us through all the degrees, shapes and feelings that one can possibly go through, from the lilting beginnings of Eternal Present to the jolting ferocity that ensues on such pieces as Maka-Paka. Álvarez drives us through every mood, every sound possible on both tenor and soprano while Dresser, in his unique and amazing fashion, displays all the techniques, from casual plucking to extended bowing, that are available to his instrument, an instrument, which is itself, at this point an extension of his very body, mind and heart. And speaking of corazón (heart) these two, being so closely attuned, at times form one voice, exhibiting no dis-associative reactions yet presenting much irrepressible, irresistible impulses within their playing, finding ultimate freedom upon their instruments and within their individual vocabularies yet never upstaging or deserting each other. As many of the titles indicate this music deals with Transformation within the True Self and though it goes well beyond simple Recreation one can feel a serious playfulness that refreshes the body and mind as well as a re-creation and continuation of two essential musical genres: free jazz and improvisation (in the European sense of the term). This music comes from an innate need to create sound in a world both outside and inside one's being. It is music made so that those who listen can hear exactly what those who created it want to listen to themselves: the passion of the moment. Something people can identify with while still trying to grasp its complexity. A layered language filled with constancy, abstract style, color, expression, essence of collage and invention. It is a world filled with variables and transposed as well as instantly composed ideas placed within highly intense intervals and procedures that travel well below the surface of hearing. And most importantly beauty. Álvarez has stated that he and Dresser did not talk about the music in advance. He wanted them to play together and try to communicate with each other in a spiritual way and they certainly do SOUL to SOUL. To quote Chuang Tsu, Remi and Mark allow "everything to do what it naturally does" and in this way the very "nature" of the music itself has been "satisfied". Steve Dalachinsky - New York City - January, 2010