Masahiko Togashi, Steve Lacy

One of the most compelling albums Steve Lacy recorded during the 80s – a spare set of duets with Japanese percussionist Masahiko Togashi, who really helps shape Steve's style on the record! Togashi approaches his instruments with a very introspective, almost tentative style – hardly the bold rhythms of other drummers, and instead this subtle stepping forward that almost feels, at times, as if Masahiko is discovering his instruments for the first time – and figuring out the sounds in a careful way. Lacy follows suit on soprano sax – still as deft as ever, but equally careful in the way he moves forward – especially at the beginning of the record. By later passages, the pair have a bit more boldness, but still this great sense of reserve – which makes Steve sound very different, but equally inventive – on titles that include "Twilight", "News From The Bells", "Wickets", "Retreat", and "Little Black Bird".