Isbin & Verbeke Review of "Twins" @ iTunes By: Steve Robey his new acoustic music duo from Belgium consists of Isbin (classical guitar/treated guitar) and Verbeke (myriad percussion and prepared piano). Their sound compares favorably to the wonderful ECM Records sound, particularly the solo recordings of Oregon leader Ralph Towner (especially his Diary). With a minimum of frills, this talented duo flow through 15 short pieces that create serene moods, evoke Third-World mysticism, and arty soundscapes. I want to say that this sounds more like Ralph Towner than Towner, but that would ignore the strong folky element (as aposed to Towner's jazz influence) that runs throughout these stately pieces. Some pieces are performed solo on guitar, while others are mostly percussion, showing a stylistic range that is impressive given the sparseness of the sound. "Saskia Maya", is a lovely slow piece that begins with bells, gongs, and plucked piano sounds, before giving to a lyrical classical guitar feature accompanied by sustained bass piano notes. Typical of all the rest of the music, this style precludes any pigeonhole as folk, jazz, or otherwise: the liner notes put it best: "Twins showcases the influence of exotic sounds, delicate blues, jazz ornamentations and new acoustic music. Excellently recorded and endlessly evocative, this CD comes highly recommended, especially to Towner/Oregon fans. © Steve Robey / Expose Amphora Apple Secrets Saskia Maya Koko Royal Tune