At its most finest and intimate, a jazz duet can capture everything good about melody, swing and improvisation. Here are three recent releases, two from Adventure Music, and one from a small indie which is endorsed by none other than Pat Metheny.
Pianist Benjamim Taubkin and percussionist Adriano Adewale bring together 4 self-penned tunes that glide and evolve with intrigue and grace. There are only 4 pieces, and they range from around 7-12 minutes, but each on gently undulates with mystical and ebullient keyboards providing thoughtful chords while Adeewale’s percussion adds depth, drive and passion. There are moments of energetic activity, as on the closing section of “Samba,” but for the most part the music is going to simply envelop you like a lava volcano, warm and unescapable. Marvelous moments here.
10-string mandolinist Hamilton de Holanda teams up with pianist Andre Mehmari for sixteen gorgeously melodic tunes. The shortest is a delectable title track just under a couple minutes and a cute little “Bebe” about a minute and a half, and the longest is a glowing conversation for over 14. In between the two artists have intelligent dialogues that are long on themes, filled with romantic technique and overflow with a playful and joyful attitude. It feels like you’re listening to poetry, yet with instruments instead of words. Thoroughly enjoyable on a plethora of levels.
Husband and wife Neal and Nura Stone make beautiful music together on respective keyboard and cello on this disc. Endorsed by Pat Metheny, the material veers towards New Age/World sounds, leaning heavily on electronic piano musings and long legato cello lines. The songs themselves are filled with memorable and thoughtful melodies, and is quite meditative in many aspects. More for background sounds for a green or herbal tea than for concentrating on for technique, but enjoyable in that aspect.
Adventure Music
RayStone Music
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