Both Dresser (whose firm dark-hued, robust tone is marvelously Mingusy at times) and Maroney - credited with "hyperpiano," as his keyboard's innards are altered a la John Cage and Henry Cowell's prepared pianos - employ extended techniques, stretching and expanding beyond what's typically thought to be their instruments' ranges. Fortunately, both draw upon these methods to serve the music, not to merely explore-for-the-sake-of-exploration...Time Changes features an enigmatic mix of reflective lyricism, edgy improv and wry swing. Maroney's soloing throughout "M.C." smacks of '60's era Vince Guaraldi in its joyful directness and Horace Silver in its earthy, graceful groove. The duo is frequently joined by the elegant, wordless mezzo-soprano of Alexandra Montano and the subtle, judicious drumming of Michael Sarin, who shines on the harrowingly taut, almost cinematic "Lateral Mass." It's strangely wonderful stuff.
