Space, texture and balance are three crucial components in the output of the duo formed by accordionist Jean-Louis Matinier and guitarist Kevin Seddiki. The repertoire emerged through a careful process of collaborative experimentation that has been underway for several years.

“We might read through a piece for voice and piano, like [Gabriel Faure's] ‘Les Berceaux’, or build up a composition around one rhythm,” says Seddiki. The result is ‘chamber music open to the world’ – a world that includes Jacquel Brel (‘Amsterdam’) as well as Faure, and traditional Bulgarian melodies as well as Schumann (combined on opener ‘Schumannsko’).

Seddiki's sympathy for, and sensitivity to, the accordion and other breathy concertina-like instruments was earlier demonstrated in his work with the Argentinian bandoneonist Dino Saluzzi and with Daniele di Bonaventura on his 2012 album II Sentiero.

He combines beautifully with Matinier on this gently questing disc, the first the pair have recorded together. The collaborations here suggest there remains much territory that could be fruitfully explored in future projects.