For this set of duets by guitarist
Larry Koonse and bassist
Darek Oles (with
Munyungo Jackson sometimes heard on subtle percussion), the musicians perform originals that are often strongly influenced by Western classical music, particularly the first three numbers. During what is very much an equal musical partnership,
Oles has as much solo space as
Koonse and sometimes takes the melody statement. The set of ten songs works very well as a suite, gradually picking up steam with the infectious "Island Song" before cooling down again. Most intriguing is "Sengal Trance Dance," a one-chord exploration. The music overall is quiet, inventive, melodic and has subtle intensity just beneath its surface. So although it works well as background music, a close listen to the interplay between
Koonse and
Oles throughout
Storybook generates rewards for listeners.