“The nuanced rapport between cornetist Taylor Ho Bynum and drummer Tomas Fujiwara is informed by almost two decades worth of shared experiences,” explains Troy Collins in the June issue of Point of Departure, “which makes Stepwise such a compelling listen. Bynum’s encyclopedic knowledge of jazz history is implicit throughout the session as he embraces an array of brass techniques, from avant-gutbucket expressionism (smears, growls, raspberries, half-valve effects, etc.) to supple muted refrains. Fujiwara’s impeccable sense of timing and rich use of timbre complements Bynum’s expansive cadences, serving as supportive partner and spry instigator.”

Collins adds, “Incorporating innovations culled from an array of past and present masters—Don Cherry and Ed Blackwell, Lester Bowie and Phillip Wilson, Bill Dixon and Tony Oxley —Bynum and Fujiwara offer their own variation on a tried and true tradition, infusing Stepwise with the sort of deep-rooted intimacy that characterizes the best duo recordings.”