Red (2000)

"Piano genius Marilyn Crispell teams for a set of duets with the relatively unknown - though outrageously talented - Sicilian saxophonist and clarinetist Stefano Maltese. This set is approached from the position of opposites attracting. Maltese has been deeply influenced by the phrasing and lyrical construction by Steve Lacy. Crispell plays percussively. Here her playing moves into a range of colors and emotions not usually associated with her. Her approach to counterpoint and harmonic invention here are both lyrical and dynamic. Here, she is clearly the music its servant, which coaxes Maltese to look toward overtones as a way to engage the improvisation from within. Maltese provides a reasonable foil for Crispell. She, on the other hand, must have viewed him musically in a much different light because this is her most restrained, graceful, elegant improvising on record. There isn't a moment here that is not, while musically very sophisticated, emotionally very moving. Highly recommended." (Allmusic)