On paper, this duo should not work out. The soft bopping romanticism of pianist Simon Nabatov should have been blown to smithereens by the runaway train that is Han Bennink. Well, lo and behold, Chat Room turns out to be both civilized and exciting. It would be too easy to say that Nabatov has managed to tame the wild horse (come on, even Misha Mengelberg is not able to do that even after trying for four decades). No, the reason why it works is simply because each improviser meets the other halfway. Nabatov loosens up and pumps childlike energy in tracks like "Foaming" and "Es LSuft!," which are miles away from his previous Leo outing, the piano solo set Perpetuum Immobile. And he can swing. And Bennink loves to swing. The drummer will not be cooling down because of age any time soon. And he is not doing that here either. More disciplined, yes; leaving more space to the other player, yes; but cooling down? Hardly. His hands are as busy as ever, they simply hit quieter, using more brushes than sticks. In fact, Bennink sounds happy to follow Nabatov's lead. And in such beautiful instant pieces as "The Lost One" and "Sorrow," who wouldn't? Chat Room is a surprise session, quickly breaking down your expectations and building them back up as the freshness of the music wins you over. Recommended. ~ Frantois Couture, All Music Guide