Tenor saxist Mark Turner and Ethan Iverson have had on and off relationships in various formats, most notably in a quartet setting with drummer Billy Hart. This time the two eschew all others for a collection of rich duets, and it works amazingly well.
Turner’s breathy amber toned tenor puffs warm clouds over Iverson’s dark chords on the title track, while he floats over the free strides of explorative fingers during “Unclaimed Freight.” Turner does some travelling into the upper register, but is able to maintain a rich pitch on as Iverson produces nocturnal chords and patterns during “Lugano” and the two create some Monk like licks in unison during the slightly elliptical “Third Familiar.” The two gents have a rich rapport, calm and comfortable in conversation with nothing seeming strained or forced. This is music that is the result of a relaxed friendship.