This duo affair by
John Abercrombie
and
Andy LaVerne
salutes the recorded meetings of pianist
Bill Evans
and guitarist
Jim Hall
, drawing material from their two duo recordings plus a blowing session made with a quintet. No mere re-creation of
Evans
Hall
's earlier recordings, each piece is used as a launching point for inventive interplay and lively solos by
Abercrombie
LaVerne
. The driving opener is
"My Funny Valentine,"
with the guitarist humorously incorporating a lick of
"If I Only Had a Brain"
in mid-solo, while
' influence on
(a one-time student of the late pianist) is unmistakable. Their lyrical setting of
's
"All Across the City"
suggests a lonely stroll at daylight, while
' haunting ballad
"Turn Out the Stars"
also benefits from their sensitive approach. Two of three
compositions were penned especially for this recording, while
"Inner Voice"
also meshes well with the older songs associated with
's work together. The only flaw within this masterful CD is the incorrect listing of
as playing tenor sax on the back cover. ~ Ken Dryden