Hugh Ragin and Marc Sabatella first came together in 1991 and almost immediately began working together in a duet format.
Hugh Ragin (Texas, 1951) is probably best known for his lengthy tenure with David Murray and, before that, Roscoe Mitchell. Previous to this, his only led or co-led recordings were a pair of mid 80’s Cecma Records. When I asked him why he had not recorded more as a leader, he smiled and answered, “Good question. You tell me.”
Marc Sabatella (Connecticut, 1965) has yet to develop a worldwide reputation though he, like Hugh, is active in the notable improvising music scene which began establishing itself in the Northern Colorado area during the 1970s. Marc’s previous led sessions are documented on the Golden Horn and Cadence Jazz Records labels.
Marc and Hugh arrived the night before this session, during an uncomfortable wave of Northcountry humidity. By 6 a.m. the morning of the 23rd, the heat and humidity were already announcing themselves in no uncertain terms. By 11 a.m., when we were ready to formally begin recording, my enthusiasm was a bit soggy.
The concert opened with “Gallery” which literally seemed to calm the heat molecules and the room’s air seemed to cool and lighten. (The take issued here is Take 2.) Following this came “Feel the Sunshine,” a beautiful ballad (Hugh says, “just a simple melody”) which continued the reflective mood. “Sunshine” opened with Marc hunched over the keyboard establishing (without written music) the soul and thematic ambience. Meanwhile Hugh sat upright, in thought, about 10 feet away, then, rising on a cued harmony from the piano notes, met Marc on his landscape. Just prior to this performance, Hugh and I had been talking about the importance of rests and space in music. It’s space that Marc and Hugh use so masterfully and do so in, up, or out of tempo.
I go into these sessions with a reasonably good idea of what to expect and the anticipation of the challenge of surprise. Often I am exposed to elements and designs that I had not previously referenced or expected, a situation that could cause anxiety in conveyer-belt situations where music is a manufactured commodity. However, in circumstances fostering discovery, and in the hands of creative artists, the surprises can often become joys in another dimension. Here I discovered Marc and Hugh in another dimension, focused in a way I had not heard them before, though I’d surmise, listening to them talk animatedly after each take, not uncommon in their live concerts.
The music here is more impressionistic than I expected; an extemporized stroll through a musical gallery of the unfamiliar. Without question, there are some wonderful pictures at this exhibition. Instant imagery: just put it on, sit back, close your eyes and add Ragin and Sabatella. The color, the imagery, the being – it’s all there in black & white.
Robert D. Rusch - 6/24/98
