Michael Blake: Ghostlines

The idea of resolution of disorder seeking out (and finally discovering) order is an attractive one to the human psyche. It's why most people (count me out) prefer the Hollywood ending in their movies. Ghostlines is a terrific improvisation that tricks the listener into thinking all is well before disorder has its way. Beginning with a long, foggy duet of sorts between Blake's airy saxophone and some damaged Gestrin piano clusters. (Or was that the marimba? The fog can play tricks on us.) It becomes apparent that a theme is forming as some chiming marimba notes do appear, followed by the piano playing counterpoint. But just when resolution is in our grasp, most of the instruments drop away, leaving the saxophone walking off into the mist.