Short Reviews [Kevin Kastning - 2021 - "Convergence II"]

As one may guess from the title, this is the second album being released taken from recordings on 29th October 2015. Although Kevin (36-string Double Contraguitar, 30-string Contra-Alto guitar, 15-string Extended Classical guitar) had recorded, toured and improvised with both musicians independently, Carl (Tenor & Soprano saxophones, Alto flute) and Sandor (16-string Classical guitar) had not played with each other, and it was the first time the musicians were working as a trio. Three master musicians, and the only rule is there are no rules, as they work and bounce ides off each other to see where the music will lead them. At the beginning there is no idea where the journey will lead, how long it is going to be, or what marvels and mysteries they will encounter on the way, but they are all prepared for what happens as they explore. Each of the players are happy to take the lead, or to sit behind and wait for the correct moment to take over, when the time is right to sit out, or when it is right to make a dramatic entrance. Music like this cannot be taught, it is only possible with mastery of the instruments and years of experience as they learn to navigate the realm. That they never played as a trio until that day, and two of the musicians had not previously played with each other at all, is nothing short of remarkable. This is music which must be listened to on headphones and only when the listener really has the time to invest as it is necessary to get inside the minds of the players to get the best out of this.