Steve Slagle and Bill O’Connell show their jazz vet virtues on this collection of duets that is reminiscent of the classic encounter between Dave Brubeck and Paul Desmond way back when. They even do a tune by Brubeck, with “The Duke” sounding charming with Slagle’s flute glowing warmly. An impressionistic read of Bill Evans’ “Peri’s Scope” with Slagle on flute” and an impassioned “Circle” from the Miles Davis songbook just about covers the covers, while originals like “Good News” and the title track joyfully bop and bounce between Slagle’s alto and O’Connell’s ivories. “I’ll Wait And Pray” flows tenderly and “A New Day” is thoughtful and clever while “One Life” highlights O’Connell’s bluesy fingertips. A sense of watching a singles match between masters volleying back and forth takes place as these artists serve up some wonderful swings and returns.
Panorama Records