“A wild cave. Absolute silence and darkness; two outstanding musicians for a unique recording session. Incredible music!”

Gerald Cleaver: drums, percussion
Larry Ochs: tenor & sopranino saxophones

First Steps (9:05)
Into the Air (5:16)
Deeper (9:52 ) Down (5:46)
Ringing It In (7:07)
Rooted in Clay (8:59)
Light from the Shadows (14:35)

All pieces co-created by Gerald Cleaver (Gerald Cleaver Music / SESAC) and Larry Ochs (Trobar / ASCAP / admin. BMG)

Recorded by Vincent Mahey (assistant: Morgan Beaulieu) on October 1st 2016 in the southwest of France, in a wild cave in absolute silence and darkness.
Mixing: Vincent Mahey
Mastering: Raphaël Jonin
Liner notes: Ludovic Florin
Photograph: Alban Jacques
Cover design: Max Schoendorff
Cover realization: David Bourguignon
Executive producer: Michel Dorbon

Fall 2016, southwest France. Guided by its owner, Larry Ochs and Gerald Cleaver visit the Portel cave, a Magdalenian painted cave. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, given how few visits are allowed so as not to endanger the parietal works.
The cave paintings’ preservation imperatives do not allow for the recording to take place in the cave itself; it took place on the next day, in another cave, similar in its layout, but not painted.
Absolute darkness and silence. Gerald and Larry are still imbued with the eve.
The session was short, incredibly dense. Having given their all, Larry and Gerald were utterly exhausted by the end.
Several years of preparation, intense efforts before, during, and after, two outstanding musicians, Vincent Mahey’s sublime work.
The album is unique, the music exceptional. Michel Dorbon

Larry Ochs, Gerald Cleaver and RogueArt warmly thank Alban Jacques, Régis Vézian and Hélène Aziza who made this exceptional adventure possible.

Gallery