Antonyms are words of opposite meaning. However, on this evidence, “Dominic Lash” and “Alex Ward” don’t seem to be antonyms. Though their brand of free improv might be considered austere by some, there’s no doubt of their empathy. The bassist and clarinettist/guitarist make for a totally simpatico duo, here recorded on the Copepod label which Alex Ward runs with Luke Barlow.
Ward began as a clarinettist and apprentice of Derek Bailey, and only took up guitar around 2000 at the age of 26. Through their frequent collaborations over many years, he and Lash have developed an excellent rapport.
This album is a joint production, in which Recap and Ballast are written by Dominic Lash, Unfriendly Manoeuvre and Right Shoes by Alex Ward, and Gegenwort is a free improvisation.
Recap features piercing, multiphonic and increasingly mobile clarinet by Ward, and “song of the earth” bass from Lash. The lugubrious Ballast features grinding arco bass and luminous guitar. Unfriendly Manoeuvre begins slow, with feedback-laden guitar, but becomes frenzied.
Antonyms offers patient exploration in which musical time proceeds slowly; it’s characterful and compelling free improv from two masters of the art.
Discography
Recap; Ballast; Gegenwort; Unfriendly Manoeuvre; Right Shoes (46.19)
Ward (cl, g); Lash (b). London, 3 March 2020.
Copepod POD17
