From the very first notes they played together, Secret Keeper, the innovative duo of "NYC's least-predictable improviser" (City Arts) Mary Halvorson and Grammy-nominated Stephan Crump had a magical connection. Their debut album, Super Eight, arrived in March of 2013. Now with Emerge, their second release, the duo reveals a new level of chemistry.

Washington journalist Will Layman says: “’Emerge’, the duo’s second release, is the fulfillment of a promise made in their early sessions. The music is at once tender and tough, intuitive and open, ready to let you in on its dazzling intimacy.”

Stephan Crump made himself a name with his Rosetta Trio and as the bass player of the Vijay Iyer Trio. He surprised a few years ago with a duo recording on Intakt on which he collaborated with Saxophoneophonist Steve Lehman. Mary Halvorson is one of the busiest musicians around. She plays with Anthony Braxton, Ingrid Laubrock and Marc Ribot to name just a few.

Graphic design: Jonas Schoder
Liner notes: Will Layman
Photo: Reuben Radding

Recorded June 16-18, 2013 at the Butler Plaza, Brooklyn, NY by Stephan Crump. Mixed summer 2014 by Stephan Crump at the Butler Plaza. Mastered October 2014 by Liberty Ellman at 4D Studios. Produced by Stephan Crump, Mary Halvorson and Intakt Records, Patrik Landolt.