This is a generously rewarding follow-up to the 1978 joint effort with
Tim Weisberg,
Twin Sons of Different Mothers. The disc begins with warm, jaunty instrumental music that has the comforting feel of seeing a great old friend for the first time in years. There are also two inspired covers of
Jesse Colin Young songs, "Sunlight" and "Songbird." The duo also pay their respects to the late
Antonio Carlos Jobim on the beautiful "Is This Magic." Though not as lush and orchestrated as their previous outing, the music here enjoys an additional element leading it in some surprising and engaging directions as a result of the bracing rhythmic punch of musicians such as
Alex Acuna and
Vinnie Colaiuta. Follow-ups to albums that were as successful and acclaimed as
Fogelberg and
Weisberg's first collaboration often seem forced or simply don't replicate the magic of the past. This one builds on the original project and explores new musical avenues while keeping fans hoping another recording by the two will occur in the future. ~ Steve Matteo