This pairing of saxophonist Sikora and pedal steel manipulator Alcorn seemed curious at first. Their respective sounds are notably distinct. And yet, as any improvisers of repute will be able to do, they align with one another for a rather compelling set.
Sikora is known for her technical proficiency, expressiveness, and exploratory nature. Here, she brings the same thoughtful energy exhibited by her solo and small group works to the duo setting. She plays freely, jumping between tones, moods, and levels of intensity while toying with extended techniques.
Alcorn’s contributions are complimentary and largely more subdued. While prickly at times, she also coaxes floating chords and echoing passages from her instrument. From time to time, her notes hang in the air and are circled by Sikora. At other points, the two join together for short blowouts.
Nonetheless, there is a hint of playfulness in the musical communication between these two. They come together and pull apart through the 65 minutes of Filament. The album was recorded at the Zurcher Gallery, New York, in 2022 and documents the first meeting of two accomplished musicians, both with enormous vocabularies.
Avant Music News 