Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand

Reviewed by Jono Ryan

Verve (2001)

Amongst all the fine jazz releases of the last year, 'Freefall' was a standout, due no doubt in part to its unusual pairing of piano and violin. Though Barron has long been a giant as a post-bop pianist, the young up and coming Carter holds her own in this duo, with superb balance maintained between the two voices. Indeed at times it seems incredible that such a rich sound can be produced by merely tow instruments. The tracks are all original compositions or standards, aside from a marvellously creative take on Sting's ballad 'Fragile', and range from energetic up-tempo numbers to lyrical ballads to occasional dabbling in free jazz. 'Freefall' is a delightful album for any jazz lover.

Reviewed by Jono Ryan

Merge (2001)

Lamchop have allways been a difficult group to categorise, and their sixth album 'Is a Woman' will not make this tsk any easier. They remain the sum of many parts, including folk, country, soul, lo-fi,and avant-garde noise. Try playing Leonard Cohen over the top of a low volume Mercury Rev or Mogwai album, and you might get vaguely close. Their latest release is a stunniing and highly original work of the mellowist form conveivable. 'Is a Woman' is ideally listened to late in the evening, when espresso cand do nothing more for you, yet there is still more work to do. An album that insomniacs will prize, because its inherent lethargy and resignation seem to indicate a shared understanding of their pain. Needless to say, well worth a listen.