Serpentine is a hearty, exploratory meeting between percussionist
Han Bennink and trumpeter
Dave Douglas. The seemingly over-caffeinated nervous energy of "Neck Four" and "Delft," and the extended technique showcases such as "Stekelbaarsje," are somewhat offset by "Alap"'s meditative development and the straighter cuts "Too Close for Comfort" and "Serpentine." These last two feature more lyrical trumpet playing from
Douglas and the softened accompaniment of
Bennink's brushes. Each musician also gets a brief solo piece: the percussive "Rein" and
Douglas' "Greenleaf." While not as wowing as some of
Bennink's other duo work -- namely, Dissonant Characters with tenor saxophonist
Ellery Eskelin -- this 1996 studio recording captures the good interaction of two excellent creative musicians. ~ Joslyn Layne