The incredible chemistry between vibraphonist
Joe Locke and pianist
David Hazeltine during their earlier Sharp Nine CD,
Mutual Admiration Society, obviously inspired a follow-up record date, though it took a decade for producer Marc Edelman to make it happen, with bassist Essiet Essiet and drummer
Billy Drummond returning as well. Both
Locke and
Hazeltine are superb soloists and sensitive accompanists for one another, while Essiet and
Drummond prove why they are both among the first-call players for all kinds of dates.
Locke's joyful, driving post-bop vehicle "Pharoah Joy" is a delightful opener that salutes
Pharoah Sanders.
Hazeltine's engaging "One for Reedy Ree" honors the late
Tony Reedus (an in-demand drummer who died far too young), a gliding hard bop chart that
Reedus would have enjoyed playing. A third tribute,
Hazeltine's "Blues for Buddy," salutes the late pianist/vibraphonist
Buddy Montgomery, who died just over a month prior to the CD's official release. Also noteworthy is
Hazeltine's thoughtful adaptation of
Stevie Wonder's "If It's Magic." A third volume is clearly in order to follow up this rewarding session. ~ Ken Dryden