At the age of 85, German pianist Alexander Von Schlippenbach is one of that handful of adventurers whom, in the mid-60s, laid the foundations for a specifically European form of free music, asserting its singularity through a relationship of both admiration for and emancipation from Afro-American free jazz. He's teaming up today with American drummer Barry Altschul –  a historic partner of Paul Bley, Sam Rivers and Anthony Braxton – to co-lead this transgenerational and international quartet comprised of veteran double bassist Joe Fonda and bass clarinettist Rudi Mahall. On all fronts of the young experimental German scene, Von Schlippenbach proves once again that in the avant-garde field, improvisation definitely is the universal language to the test of which all borders are abolished.