Amulet by Michael Moore and Paul Berner

Michael Moore: This recording is primarily a dialogue between Paul and myself - well known material played simply. I have been wanting to do something like this since I heard the great New Orleans clarinetist Louis Cottrell’s Riverside recording ‘Bourbon Street’ - pure joy!
Since Bach’s time it has been clear that two voices are all you need for functional harmony to be heard. Although, since Sonny Rollins at the Village Vanguard, there have been many sax/bass/drums trios, there have been surprisingly few sax/bass duos, and clarinet/bass duos seem to be very rare.
I’d especially like to thank Frans de Rond and Peter Bjornield - they were both a joy to work with, and the close, intimate recording is perfect for this music.

Paul Berner: I’ve loved Micheal’s unique voice, especially on clarinet, since I first heard him. Happily and quietly, he and I have been working together for years, collaborating on projects of his and mine.
This is our magical Corona-era AMULET: our good luck charm to keep us artistically safe and thriving though this difficult period. Heartfelt melodies played simply and honestly.

M: Yours is much more loving, of course, but ya gotta spell my name right, okay?

P: Oops, sorry about that!
Mine is a PR blurb. Yours is more informative but less gushy...

M: Yours is a love letter, mine is pretentious.

P: Yours is descriptive, aimed at the jazz listener. Mine is emotive, aimed at the general audience.

M: Perhaps we should include this conversation as well!

P: Like you were reading my mind.

Internationally recognized American bassist Paul Berner is renowned for his subtle and melodic playing. The music he plays with his Paul Berner Band is a fascinating blend, influenced by Americana, jazz, country and folk, with languid songs that evoke images of sultry summers. Berner's sound and quirky style make him one of the most prominent bass players of recent years.

paulberner.com