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
Drummond
prove why they are both among the first-call players for all kinds of dates.
's joyful, driving post-bop vehicle
"Pharoah Joy"
is a delightful opener that salutes
Pharoah Sanders
.
'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,
'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
's thoughtful adaptation of
Stevie Wonder
"If It's Magic."
A third volume is clearly in order to follow up this rewarding session. ~ Ken Dryden