Marius Neset/Daniel Herskedal - Neck of the Woods (Edition 2012)

The thought of a Norwegian tuba and sax duet might not set the heart racing, but Herskedal's compositions for earthy brass and airy reed, plus the ambient hum of a vocal ensemble on three tracks, makes for one of the most compelling sounds of the year. A limited Balkan vamp aside, this aims for the skies and gets there, yet again confirming sax-man Neset's promise. They end with a perfect version of Abdullah Ibrahim's most perfect song, The Wedding. FOUR STARS --Independent on Sunday
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His ability to play fast, atonal sax lines uncannily quietly is entrancing on the jigging Lutra Lutra and spacey Eg Er Framand. But the most striking melody is Abdullah Ibrahim's, whose hymn-like The Wedding, played at atmospherically sepulchral pace, closes the set. (John Fordham The Guardian,)