This warm duo collaboration between pianist
Marc Copland
and guitarist
Vic Juris
is a textbook example of a well-planned and executed studio date. Starting with an imaginative treatment of
"Who Can I Turn To,"
the chemistry between the two musicians is apparent in their support of each other's solos as well as in the crisp interplay. Other
standards
, such as
"I Loves You, Porgy"
and
"Stella By Starlight,"
also display a freshness even though they have been recorded countless times by many other
jazz
artists. The originals by each man deserve attention as well; both
Copland
's brooding
"Dark Territory"
Juris
'
"Vaults"
have a haunting sound, while the breezy
bop
of the guitarist's
"Twenty Five"
is pure joy.
Nat Adderley
's
"Jive Samba"
takes on a darker tone in their intriguing arrangement, and the last-minute suggestion of
Dizzy Gillespie
"Con Alma"
proves to be the perfect closer, with
's lush chords accompanied by
on acoustic guitar in a very deliberate performance. This outstanding session deserves to be ranked alongside any of the landmark piano/guitar duo recordings one can name. ~ Ken Dryden