May 1998

Rob Brown Duo with Matthew Shipp
Blink of An Eye
No More Records

By Marcela Breton

This free jazz release brings together saxophonist Rob Brown and pianist Matthew Shipp in a selection of three tunes; actually one tune, the title cut, with three different parts. Why bother with parts when it all sounds the same? Brown is alternately harsh, droning, squeaky and grating. Shipp's approach is either thunderous or tinkling. Where they're headed nobody knows or cares. Blink of an Eye refers, I suppose, to the sudden, inexplicable changes the listener must endure.