| 1. Those of you who have tracked down ' work before should know just how essential 'Arborvitae' will be before you even hear it. Of course Connors is on guitar and we see Grubbs alternating between guitar and piano but 'Arborvitae' doesn't just find both artists falling into what they know, rather they play off each others skills and create a sense of deep emotional contact, a sense that the two have respect for each other. This is certainly true for Grubbs, who describes his discovery of Connors' work in 1990 a revelation, and he went on to re-issue it with Jim O'Rourke on their own label. It could have so easily happened earlier then, but the time it took for the two musicians to sit down and play together was almost inevitable, it gave credence to the phrase 'good things come to those who wait' and the proof is in the listening. It is an almost spiritual experience taking in 'Arborvitae' from beginning to end, Connors' quiet, contemplative playing is as breathtaking as ever and is highlighted by Grubbs' piano. The music feels like these two players have been performing together for years, they show such a level of ease with each other and at no point do you get the feeling that these are minor improvisations. If you haven't managed to grab this album already you should really do so without delay, fans of both artists should be in awe of 'Arborvitae' |
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