Between them Lake and Parker have played in all manner of configurations over the years, but this horn-bass duo is impressive for the way the players negotiate the stark nakedness of the setting. On much of the set composition is as important as improvisation, the restraint, and the wisdom not to be excessively busy so as to offset the absence of a drummer or pianist, really allows the performance to breathe. The spirited opener, ‘Variation On A Theme Of Marvin Gaye’ really sets the tone in any case, as the sidewinder bassline shifts the harmony of James Jamerson's immortal lick on ‘Inner City Blues’ but retains all its gravitas. The soulfulness of that arrangement pervades the rest of the material and melodic riches really come to the fore on ‘Bonu’ and ‘Bisceglia’, where the kind of acidly sweet lament that has been one of Lake's great marks of distinction, is effectively offset by the oceanic depth of Parker's tone and the precision of his time. Then again the latter's dramatic Moroccan guimbre style chording on the intensely moving ‘Victor Jara’ is also a highlight. The stripped down, somewhat spartan nature of the music may be unsettling for some but the strength of character of the players more than carries the day.