Peter Leitch and
John Hicks joined forces for a third studio date on Reservoir, though this time out, it is just the two of them.
Leitch, a lyrical player in the style of
Jim Hall, is beautifully complemented by
Hicks' piano technique. While standards are a part of the date (and well played, too), the originals by each of the two men and the lesser known jazz compositions they chose are the standout tracks. A friend of
Hicks contributed the lovely waltz "Pas de Trois," while bassist
George Mraz penned "For B.C.," a touching remembrance of the popular night club operator
Bradley Cunningham, who operated Bradley's among many other clubs during his career.
Leitch switches to acoustic guitar for his tasty blues "H&L."
Hicks' brooding "After the Morning" is one of the pianist's most impressive works; it takes on a new dimension with the intimacy of piano and guitar without a rhythm section. Neither man has achieved the critical acclaim that he has earned, though with
John Hicks' untimely passing in 2006, he may belatedly achieve wider recognition. Highly recommended. ~ Ken Dryden