ARBORVITAE

This is the first LP release on Loren ConnorsAE and David GrubbsAE Arborvitae, originally released on CD by the Swedish label Hopna in 2003. Loren Connors and David Grubbs first performed as a duo on May 30, 2003 at the Green-Wood Cemetery Chapel in Brooklyn, N.Y. Green-Wood Cemetery is one of BrooklynAEs landmarksuitAEs the highest natural point in the borough, and an unexpected expanse of tranquility in the midst of the city. The stone interior of the chapel makes the quietest of sounds audible, and Loren and David played a remarkably quiet yet extraordinarily varied hour of improvised music. Arborvitae opens and closes with the pairing of David on piano and Loren on an electric guitar played so quietly that at times his pedal-stomping is wondrously distinct. oBlossom Timeo and the title track positively float, with Loren alternating between soaring single-note lines and playing the rough, barnacled anchor to DavidAEs relentless tide. DavidAEs approach to the piano recalls his playing on PalaceAEs Arise Therefore and his own Banana Cabbage, Potato Lettuce, Onion Orange. Loren hypnotizes throughout. This is one of the rare instances up to this point in his career that he had recorded in a commercial studio, and his playing, time and again, rewards such a detailed recording. oThe Ghost of Exquisiteo and oHemlock Patho are two slow-motion lockings of guitar horns. oThe Highest Point in Brooklyno isnAEt the place to be in an electrical stormubut it rolled in all of a sudden and there we were, uncovered and open to the elements.'