In Lands I Never Saw marks the first time David Friedman and David Samuels (Double Image), have recorded together since 1979. It is a sterling showcase, not only for the impressive talents of these two men, but for the innovative, immediately recognizable sound that brought them international accolades back in the 1970s--the bell-like tones of the metal vibraphone blending with the earthy tones of the wooden marimbaphone; the complex interweaving lines emerging with a transparent simplicity of effect. It is a strictly duo instrumental album, with very few overdubs; no bass or drums to mark time and no strings or horns for background. In this demanding adventurous context, Friedman and Samuels distill their distinctive vibes/marimba sound, masterfully demonstrating the spectrum of colors these two relatively underexposed mallet instruments are capable of achieving. In many respects, Double Image is a duo that sounds like an orchestra. The music itself has a global feeling to it, at times suggestive of Egypt, Arabia, Bali, Africa, Mexico, and the Orient. The pieces are immediately accessible yet intellectually stimulating and emotionally satisfying. A nearly perfect balance exists between the compositional structures and the often dazzling improvisations. There is an emotional cohesiveness about In Lands I Never Saw in which we hear intelligence, lyricism, and warmth--all seamlessly blended into a single sonic tapestry.