"Temporary Kings" unites two of the most outstanding figures in the contemporary jazz scene in their first joint recording as a duo. Saxophonist Mark Turner and pianist Ethan Iverson engage in inspiring dialogues in the chamber music setting of the Auditorio Stelio Molo RSI in Lugano, where they explore their shared artistic ground. The two musicians' collaboration began in the Billy Hart Quartet, where they have already featured harmoniously on two ECM albums. The new album includes six compositions by Iverson, among them the yearning solo piece "Yesterday's Bouquet," as well as two works by Turner, including "Myron's World," which has already achieved near-cult status among jazz musicians. The record also features a distinctive blues titled "Unclaimed Freight," a surprisingly melodic, Ravel-esque opening track called "Lugano" (an homage to the recording location), and their interpretation of Warne Marsh's playful composition "Dixie's Dilemma."
