John Bunch has long been a very flexible pianist able to play Dixieland, swing, bop and more modern material with equal skill. His set of duets with bassist Phil Flanigan on his Arbors CD may have an intimate and quiet sound, but there is plenty of diversity in tempos and some heat generated. Whether it be Benny Harris' "Crazeology," a jazz interpretation of
Chopin's "Prelude in C Minor," the always welcome "As Long as I Live" or a Dixielandish "Struttin' With Some Barbecue," the music always swings, the interplay between the two musicians is strong, and the performances hold one's attention at all times. An excellent effort. ~ Scott Yanow