Recorded in 1984, this issue on vinyl of a performance by German bass clarinetist Michel Pilz and French drummer Jean-Noël Cognard is everything my heart needs today, bringing raw but lyrical improvisations on two short album sides (really too short).
Both musicians are absolutely great to hear. Pilz's tone on the bass clarinet is excellent, and so are his improvisations. He did not release much under his own name, but performed amonst others with the Globe Unity Orchestra, Peter Kowald and Manfred Schoof. I couldn't find much information on Jean-Noëlle Cognard, apart from the fact that he released several vinyl albums, and performs regularly. His drumming is excellent too, and especially on the second side, he really gets the chance to show his skills, during a polyrhythmic and captivating solo.
Easy to recommend, although possibly hard to find, since printed in only 200 copies, but not yet sold out. So grab your chance! (freejazz-stef.blogspot.com)
Limited to 200 copies on yellow clear vinyl.
Recorded by Guillaume Deviras (audioscene) on february 25,1984 at la Celle Saint Cloud.
Mixed and mastered on september 2010 at studio Pierre Schaeffer.
Silkscreened gatefold cover.