George Colligan and Jesper Bodilsen are reunited for a second duo date for Steeplechase, with a program that mixes a few jazz standards with less familiar but equally compelling compositions. The pianist and the bassist quickly establish their musical partnership with "A Wish," an intricate, instantly enchanting ballad that demonstrates that they are on equal terms, with plenty of give and take between them.
Sam Rivers' "Beatrice" is stripped down by
Colligan and Bodilsen and given a quasi-Latin flavor, while the better-known "Up Jumped Spring" (perhaps
Freddie Hubbard's finest composition) contains some of the best solos of the session. An introspective interpretation of "You Must Believe in Spring" adds to the melancholy mood of
Michel Legrand's landmark song, while the duo's reworking of "You Don't Know What Love Is" adds to its emotional punch. This CD is heartily recommended to fans of piano-bass duos. ~ Ken Dryden