Twin Talk

Contrary to its title, the captivating 2024 album *Twin Talk Live* was recorded in a studio. Through their highly interactive style of playing, the saxophone trio subverts conventional norms, with the musicians often heard both in the frontline and in a supporting role. The music is built on memorable melodies that unfold with astonishing patience and care. The improvisations are crafted with meticulous attention to detail and a keen sense of the right balance.

Tenor saxophonist Dustin Laurenzi and bassist Katie Ernst have been active in the indie rock scene in recent years. Among other things, he has toured with singer-songwriter Bill Callahan, whilst she has shared the stage with Iron & Wine. Yet when they perform as Twin Talk alongside drummer Andrew Green, they consistently demonstrate their deep connection to jazz. Here and there, Ernst adds wordless vocals that are just as precise and nuanced as her bass playing, and whilst this effortlessly swinging music – much like the early Bad Plus – clearly flirts with pop, a closer listen reveals a wealth of subtle details.

Each of the three plays a pivotal role that is closely interwoven with the others’. Their performance, however, is characterised by a quiet freedom. The formal elegance of their music is not at odds with inspired improvisation, effective accents and shifts, or the constant changes in the line-up’s roles – quite the contrary.

Line-up

• Dustin Laurenzi – tenor saxophone
• Katie Ernst – double bass, vocals
• Andrew Green – drums