When I first saw this, I thought “Oh, just like Redman with The Bad Plus, we’re going to get another mix and match session.” No way; this is the kind of duet album that you beg for. Two simpatico buddies, communicating through instruments. Casual in feel, but glorious in delivery.
Redman on tenor is breathy as he swings on the bopping “Ornithology” and “In Walked Bud.” When he goes to soprano, he lets Mehldau ripple like a stream on”Always August” and with “Old West” the pianist clippety clops like a Quarter Horse. The moods and dynamics slowly wax and wane, and Redman sounds quite inspired throughout. His tenor is fuzzy like a mohair sweater on the melodic “Mehlsancholy Mode” as they gently pass the baton to each other like passing a seasoning for a steak. Each piece is a gracious conversation between friends that we get to partake in. This is a tour worth keeping an eye open for.