Here Irène Schweizer teams up with countryman and frequent collaborator Pierre Favre in a per-formance recorded live in Bern. Cecil Taylor looms large as an influence in Schweizer's style (as he does with many contemporary pianists), particularly in the intricate flights of her left hand.
But it would be dead wrong to dismiss her as a Taylor imitator. Schweizer's dynamics - her range of technique (plucking the strings inside the piano, for instance) and her melodic and lyrical sensibilities - are entirely her own. Schweizer also draws on the European tradition, as in the wry «Una Tarantella Fantastica», a romp evoking a carnival carousel. The centerpiece of this performance, «Flying Over the Limmat», soars through various styles, starting with a stormy free passage and moving into a 4/4 march. Favre makes extensive use of his percussion kit, playing cowbells, chattering rimshots, woodblocks and some beautiful mallet work on the toms.
If your taste runs to the European impov scene, Schweizer and Favre's music should be a delight.
John Baxter, Option. Los Angeles, USA

Cover Art: Eugen Bisig
Photo: Silvia Luckner
Liner Notes: Peter Rüedi

All Compositions by Irène Schweizer & Pierre Favre
Recorded live February 16, 17, 1990 at Rest. Schweizerbund, Bern. Engineer: Peter Pfister
Mastered Julv 15, 1991 at Studio Peter Pfister by Irène Schweizer & Patrik Landolt

Produced, Published and Copyright by Intakt Records (SUISA}
Executive Production: Patrik Landolt