Dave Young's duo meetings with 11 different pianists not only produced the two-volume CD series Two by Two, but enabled the release of this third CD, featuring one track with each of them. But this is hardly a collection of leftovers; any of these tracks could have easily been selected for the earlier releases.
Oscar Peterson seems to enjoy taking a backseat for a change as
Young swings up a storm during "In a Mellow Tone."
Young and
Cedar Walton devour
Victor Feldman's hard bop vehicle "Joshua." The bassist is the lead voice in the duet with
Mulgrew Miller of
Mal Waldron's haunting but beautiful "Soul Eyes," as he is in the enchanting meeting with
Cyrus Chestnut (
J.J. Johnson's "Lament"). It is also hard to overlook his snappy performance of
Thelonious Monk's "Think of One" with
Kenny Barron. Also heard on this CD are
Tommy Flanagan,
John Hicks,
Ellis Marsalis,
Oliver Jones,
Barry Harris, and
Renee Rosnes. Highly recommended. ~ Ken Dryden