Piano/sax duos are one of the under-appreciated gems of the jazz scene. With Joel Frahm on either soprano or tenor sax, pianist Adrean Farrugia teams up for rich conversations, improvisations and musical excursions on this collection of jazz sonatas.
Farrugia’s piano is lovely as he creates a pilaf for Frahm’s meaty soprano on the title track, while the two form a panorama of glory during “Half Moon.” For the rest of the time, Frahm keeps to the tenor, creating a foggy bottom on a folksy ballad “For Murray Gold” while getting reflective with Farrugia’s rich touch during a lyrical “Godspell.” A minor mooded “Cool Beans” is glorious in its bluesy hipness, while the two sound relaxed and calm, while two takes of “Cherokee” have a contrast of fun strides by the pianist on “Cherokee II” and Frahm going bel canto on “Cherokee I.” Up there in joy with the vintage meetings between Earl Hines and Zoot Sims. More of the same!