Pianists
Richie Beirach &
Andy LaVerne have each made a number of first rate solo releases, so a follow up to there earlier collaboration, "Universal Mind," was essential. This time they're on separate keyboards rather than sharing one instrument. They kick things off with an aggressive daredevil take of
Wayne Shorter's "Footprints," followed by brilliant interpretations of other classics like "So What," "Monk's Dream," and "In Your Own Sweet Way." The intense closer is a no-holds-barred version of
McCoy Tyner's "Passion Dance." Highly recommended for fans of jazz piano.