I wasn't familiar with Shostakovich. Turns out I didn't need to be before diving into this excellent release. The longest tracks, to Spread and to Reflect, are perhaps the most sonically adventurous, while the pensive, searching sound of songs like to Journey take the listener to a place where the two musicians are clearly responding to each other in the moment with the utmost skill and attention. Valdes' playing is an electrifying tour de force, and Ware's concept is beautifully realized. *****