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Two creative virtuosos coming out of Chicago jazz and blues meet for a wide-ranging exchange. Melford begins with solos including a remarkable rendition of Ornette Coleman’s Passion Culture and soulful original works. Jenkins steps in for the second half for open improv duos that both tickle and explode. Myra Melford is a composer/pianist whose projects like Snowy Egret and Tiger Trio reflect her inspiration working with Henry Threadgill, Jaki Byard, Butch Morris, Marion Brandis and many other influences including the poetry of Rumi and the Huichol Indians of Mexico. Violinist Leroy Jenkins emerged as part of the AACM and the Revolutionary Ensemble with bassist Sirone and the drummer Jerome Cooper and moved into more traditional classical forms influenced by Muhal Richard Abrams, Anthony Braxton, Bill T. Jones and others. Recorded live in concert at Roulette 21 April 2006.