"Ecstatic Jazz Duos" is a robust split of two diverse, non-idiomatic duos. DWMTG represents all that is wonderful about control and skillfully employed emphasis. They're a bass/percussion duo, and on their side they perform a suite of ten short pieces, all dynamically sound and played with utmost skill, attention and spiral eyed focus. Bassist Tony Gordon's (Zandosis) fretwork is busy but precises, while percussionist Dale Miller is a testament to careful listening, not only embellishing Gordon's impressive moves, but rounds out the pair with striking economy. Their sound is firmly rooted in what now can be safely termed as classic improvisational jazz on a recording which has a really intimate feel.

I Heart Lung is, as noted earlier, also a duo, their music creates an intriguing contrast to that of DWMTG. Here we have a guitarist (Chris Schlarb) and percussionist (Tom Steck). There are some solid fusion influences in their music, casting out a variety of sounds, and while not at all maximalist, when played behind DWMTG the music comes off as the flesh and blood to DWMTG's skeleton. Schlarb's guitar, a smoky, tube driven sound sans excessive distortion and effects, alternating free jams with quiet melodic gestures. It's a balanced sound that at times feels as if they're still working on defining their own “thing,” and at other times comes across a fulfilled. 7/10 -- P. Somniferum (2 December, 2009)