AMG Review of Two Not One

Ken Dryden
All Music Guide

Two Not One combines the contents of five previously issued Storyville CDs, including all three volumes of Warne Marsh and Lee Konitz leading a quintet at the Club Montmartre, plus trio and quartet sessions led by Marsh. With both saxophonists having studied with Lennie Tristano, his stamp is unmistakable, in their playing, compositions, and choice of repertoire. Among the quintet recordings, highlights include Tristano's "April" (an intricate reworking of "I'll Remember April") that features inspired solos by the co-leaders, Konitz's brilliant "Subconscious-Lee" (based on "What Is This Thing Called Love," it became a part of his lifelong repertoire), and a driving setting of Charlie Parker's "Au Privave." Pianist Ole Kock Hansen and bassist Niels Pedersen provide outstanding support, with drums alternating between Svend-Erik Nørregård and Al Levitt, though a different rhythm section is used on some tracks (bassist Peter Ind, guitarist Dave Cliff, and Levitt). For the trio sessions Marsh is joined by Pedersen and Levitt, with Cliff added for the quartet selections. Marsh's tasty "Blues in G Flat" showcases each member of the quartet, while his heartfelt interpretation of "You Don't Know What Love Is" features an inventive bassline by Pedersen. Since this four-CD set contains all of the music of five CDs, it is a very affordable and space-saving option.