The pairing of drummer Bill Bruford with the keyboardist Michiel Borstlap is an inspired choice. It's quickly apparent that these two share a common musical ground and aren't afraid to dive in and explore uncharted territory. The main feature here is a concert film from Nijmegen, Holland in 2002. This is the first performance by the duo. For the most part, Bruford seems sure of himself, if not always sure of where his partner is going. This is were the gulf between youth and experience shows. While not lacking in enthusiasm, Borstlap sometimes seems to lack a clear cut musical direction. This leaves Bruford musically 'treading water' at times, waiting for something concrete to come by that he can latch on to. But this is a minor annoyance, as Borstlap is a brilliant pianist with a flair for the melodic. And other than a few lapses, his playing is solid and inventive.
Bruford seems at ease, whether spinning out polyrhythms, or adding shades of colors to Borstlap's melodies. He's a careful listener and able to shift musical direction as the proceedings ebb and flow. His solos are solid, based more on rhythmic themes than random improvisation. He's as much a composer here as Borstlap. The camera work is for the most part first rate, giving plenty of close up shots of both musicians in flight. There is also a bonus CD of the Nijmegen concert.
The bonus DVD tracks are some rather raw camcorder footage from a small club show in Maastricht, Holland a year or two later. Ironically, this is the stronger musical material, showing a tighter, more focused and mature duo. While the sound quality is less than optimal, there is a real dynamic to the duo's performance. Owing to the camera work basically being from an audience perspective, we are often treated to some 'home movie' style shots. The most frustrating thing is on "Peacock Strut" where Bruford is playing some interesting rhythms on a pair of gongs laid on top of his drums, yet the camera concentrates almost exclusively on Borstlap! Still, the music is quite excellent and exciting - and that's what counts.
This is a solid DVD with some excellent music. If you were a fan of the Moraz/Bruford duo in the 1980s, then you will find a lot to like here, as the duo works in much of the same style and musical territory. Let's hope that the duo continues for years to come and is able to put together some major tours, both in Europe and the States. Highly recommended.
© 2005 Michael Bettine
