Maria Baptist & Jan von Klewit - Facing Duality (2020/2025) [Official Digital Download]

In a way it seems out of nowhere, and in a way it was a long time coming. While Maria Baptist has ranged from solo to trio to big band and more, throughout her career at the piano, Jan von Klewitz's saxophone has been a more steady presence beside her than than most. He came on board with Baptist's ongoing Jazz Orchestra on its debut Here and Now (self produced, 2016), then provided the plus-one when her trio was expanded to trio-plus-one for Poems Without Words (self produced, 2017). Their rapport developed further through some performances as a duo, enough so that by early 2020, they were so eager to set down a proper duo recording that a mere global pandemic wasn't enough to stop them.

Facing Duality convincingly argues that getting past any logistical hurdles was well worth it in the end. Even though they could have done things remotely, the performance beautifully shows just how keen their chemistry is and how these things always work best face to face. The titular duality theme can be interpreted in a variety of ways here. Baptist's composing style still snazzily weaves elements of jaunty jazz and European classical; the players are comfortable with busy clattering or sparse simplicity; they can stay in close step or take off on small flights without losing sight of where they are.

TRACKLIST

1. Maria Baptist & Jan von Klewitz - Facing Duality
2. Maria Baptist & Jan von Klewitz - Minotaurus
3. Maria Baptist & Jan von Klewitz - Stillness Speaks
4. Maria Baptist & Jan von Klewitz - Sea of Blackness
5. Maria Baptist & Jan von Klewitz - Midnight Rain
6. Maria Baptist & Jan von Klewitz - Gratitude
7. Maria Baptist & Jan von Klewitz - Natural Landscapes
8. Maria Baptist & Jan von Klewitz - Cloud 9
9. Maria Baptist & Jan von Klewitz - Longing



Thanks to the Original customer.