The late Charlie Haden is still able to speak to us through his recordings. This is the second posthumous release of a duet session. Last year’s album with Jim Hall was a quiet knockout, and this one with pianist Gonzalo Rubalcaba from some Tokyo concerts from 2005 is a gentle giant.
Haden’s bass is a force of nature; strong as a redwood, yet flexible as a palm tree. As on all his duets, the emphasis is on reflective sounds, and Rubalcaba is a restrained mustang here. The pair go romantic and thoughtful on “En La Orilla Del Mundo” and the pianist keeps his cards close to his chest but his heart on his sleeve as Haden’s rich tone supplies the foundation on “My Love and I.” A suave and subtle dance graces across the floor on “Sandino” and they both use space as an ally in “Slamente Una Vez.” Their most playful moments are during Ornette Coleman’s When Will The Blues Leave” but even here the rich tones and pastel hues glow like a moon through a stained glass window. Wondrous and meditative sounds from a sadly missing master.
Impulse! Records