We previously featured Klein & Jamison for their multi-platform experience, Eight Paintings for Piano, so when we heard that the duo had returned with Klein and Jamison Sonatas for Alto Saxophone and Piano, we couldn’t wait to listen and share our experience.
The record opens with Sonata for Alto Saxophone and Piano No.2: I. Primavera, and opens with nothing short of instrumental mastery as Andrew Dahlke and Juhyun Lee deliver evocative performances bringing to life the bright and euphoric concept of Spring, but with a dramatic twist.
The opus takes us on a darker trip mid-way though, and ebbs and flows between the subversive, and the bright and elegant concept that first opened the composition. The cinematic nature of the piece is tangible, and we experience rippling and psychedelic nuance juxtaposed with evocative bass notes. Almost jazz-adjacent riffs on the saxophone further dimensionalize the piece, adding charm and charisma and elevating the composition once more.
Next up is Sonata for Alto Saxophone and Piano No.2: II. Misteria which opens with intrigue, once again in line with the name of the track. We experience vintage film score vibes, and expansive saxophone performance, truly exemplifying the thirty note range of the iconic instrument. The manner in which the composers, and in turn the talented instrumentalists, converse is enchanting and refined, showcasing a sense of timelessness with undeniable compositional innovation.
The third track is Sonata for Alto Saxophone and Piano No.2: III. Vienta, which takes on a more contemporary and experimental feel, creating a sense of comedy to a certain extent. Needless to say, the track does not remain one dimensional and the composition takes us on a trip beyond our own psyche, inviting us to expansive visualisation akin to a movie in our minds.
Klein & Jamison showcase their versatility and an astral saxophone ascent with an intricate breakdown forms the most memorable climax of the track, once again showcasing the instrument in all of its glory.
Sonata for Alto Saxophone and Piano No.1: I. My Calf is next and feels like a rebirth as the piano takes centre stage with it’s infinite potential to evoke emotion and the performance is breathtaking. The two instruments continue to converse as if they are elements of nature in unison creating new life. The psychedelic and dramatic nature of the finale of this composition is iconic.
Fifth is Sonata for Alto Saxophone and Piano No.1: II. Tranquilo, which provides a meditative respite, allowing the more subtle characters that the two instruments have to offer space and be at one with each other. The moodier elements that create so much intrigue in the wider opus return, as Klein & Jamison remind us that calm is indeed a spectrum.
Finally, we experience Sonata for Alto Saxophone and Piano No.1: III. Fugato, which serves as Waltz-hybrid conclusion to the record. We appreciate the classical elements, and the piano runs, as well as the performance of the saxophone taking on the role of a somewhat dimensional and amped up trumpet. The dramatic nature of the final moments of the song only entice us to start the record again and leaves us in awe with an emotionally charged piano ascension!
In 2023, one might think that they have heard it all, a piano and a saxophone have played together millions times in history, but what Klein & Jamison offer is innovation and artistry so refined and professionally executed that it feels like we are experiencing the instruments for the first time.
Jim Klein and Ian Jamison have been collaborating since 2018. They are based in Colorado and Arizona.