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 and
Hall's earlier recordings, each piece is used as a launching point for inventive interplay and lively solos by
Abercrombie and
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
Evans' influence on
LaVerne (a one-time student of the late pianist) is unmistakable. Their lyrical setting of
Hall's
"All Across the City" suggests a lonely stroll at daylight, while
Evans' haunting ballad
"Turn Out the Stars" also benefits from their sensitive approach. Two of three
LaVerne compositions were penned especially for this recording, while
"Inner Voice" also meshes well with the older songs associated with
Evans and
Hall's work together. The only flaw within this masterful CD is the incorrect listing of
Abercrombie as playing tenor sax on the back cover. ~ Ken Dryden
