From the Ashes contains four long duet improvisations that sound somewhat structured or at least slightly prepared, rather than completely spontaneous. This structure makes the music more compelling, and both players use their instrumental resources to good effect as they take turns soloing and accompanying each other. The range of moods almost seems wider than on the group CD, with Coryell's playing going from delicate harmonics to (acoustic) power chording, while the tone colors of Mani's violin cover similar territory. What could in lesser hands have been empty new-age noodling is here expressive and vital playing from these two masters. - Joe Grossman