Fennesz / Daniell / Buck

Recorded live at the Knoxville, TN "Big Ears Festival" in early 2009, this improvised set elevates the game play of all involved. Christian Fennesz (whose collaborative work grows more pliable and intriguing with each outing) allows his laptop/guitar atmospherics to permeate instead of dominate the mix. In contrast and concert, the live guitar work of David Daniell veers from serrated edge counterpoint to a gentle commingling partnership with Fennesz's wafting tone. The star of the set is Necks drummer Tony Buck, whose presence is nearly subliminal in the quiet moments then explosive as the energy rises. "Heat From Light" is one such tantalizing star-birth. Bravado finale "Diamond Mind" features casual spelunking turned frantic drilling to retrieve something shiny deep in the bedrock. It's a recording that will spur you to research each musician's back catalogue.