Specific Gravity (album)

Specific Gravity
Live album by Joe McPhee and Joe Giardullo
Released	2001
Recorded	September 27, 1997 at WPKN in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
Genre	Jazz
Length	53:05
Label	Boxholder BHX021
Joe McPhee chronology
Finger Wrigglers (1996) Specific Gravity (1997) The Brass City (1997)

Specific Gravity is a live album by multi-instrumentalists Joe McPhee and Joe Giardullo recorded in 1997 and first released on the Boxholder label.^[1]

Reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
Source	Rating
Allmusic	[2]

Allmusic reviewer David R. Adler states "Even the most experienced listeners may not be able to discern what's at stake here theoretically, but in any case, there's much to recommend in this meeting of two highly advanced minds".^[2] On All About Jazz writer Glenn Astarita said "the force of magnetism between these two master musicians is prominently displayed on this fine outing. Recommended" while Derek Taylor observed "The art of the duo is a sphere necessarily reserved improvisers able to negotiate its myriad challenges. Giardullo and McPhee prove themselves in possession of such mettle, but those listeners familiar with either player are unlikely to require any such convincing".^[3][4] in JazzTimes Aaron Steinberg stated "The two men work slowly and deliberately, each giving the other the utmost space, focusing on nuance in interval and texture. The recording peaks on the starkly beautiful, delicate rendition of Coltrane's "After the Rain".^[5]

Track listing

All compositions by Joe Giardullo and Joe McPhee except as indicated

1. "A Priori"- 28:09
2. "Specific Gravity" (Joe McPhee) - 5:39
3. "After the Rain" (John Coltrane) - 10:53
4. "Sienna " - 6:42

Personnel

• Joe McPhee - alto clarinet, soprano saxophone, valve trombone, electronics
• Joe Giardullo - C Flute, bass clarinet, soprano saxophone, electronics

References