Jim Hall has long exhibited a sense of adventure in his playing, which has intensified as his career has progressed. His duo meeting with
Enrico Pieranunzi (a kindred spirit and one of the most in-demand
jazz pianists in Europe) consists of original compositions and inventive duo improvisations (three of them are titled
"Duologue" by number), which greatly contrast from one another, along with the extended improvisation
"Our Valentines," which seems to briefly hint at
"My Funny Valentine" as its inspiration. The compositions are as compelling as the improvisations.
"Careful" is a tricky piece recorded many times by the guitarist over the decades;
Pieranunzi takes immediately to the
Hall's quirky
blues.
"Jimlogue" has the flavor of a 20th century composition for
classical piano; one can easily imagine
Hall composing it during his conservatory days, though it could just as easily be brand new at the time of these sessions.
Jane Hall (the guitarist's wife) penned the beautiful
ballad "Something Tells Me" for an earlier CD; this version proves to be even more spacious and lyrical than its initial recording. The pianist's songs include the tasty
waltz "From E. to C.," the provocative
"The Point at Issue," and the soothing finale,
"Dreamlogue." Hopefully, this compelling first meeting between
Jim Hall and
Enrico Pieranunzi will inspire a follow-up recording date. ~ Ken Dryden
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