Out of Nowhere, the title of French double bassist Joëlle Léandre’s new recording with pianist Quentin Sirjacq, her student at Mills College, tells us a great deal-the two look into the universe and pull music out of what seems like an emptiness. What’s notable is that they are able to give form and, more importantly, expressive shape to their improvisations. Sirjacq is something of a spare minimalist, which gives a simple context for Léandre to open up exploration, often bowing her bass and/or utilizing harmonics. A dazzling track is Ruin, in which some otherworldly vocals from Léandre create a volcanic power, pulling more raw intensity from Sirjacq before returning to an almost eerie quiet. Awakening finds Sirjacq adding to his sonic arsenal by playing prepared piano.