“Duets Live At Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola” is the album’s lengthy sub-title and, while this Lincoln Center space isn’t the most soulful venue in NYC, the duettists must have given it a warm glow. As a follow-up to Lovano’s quartet dates with Jones, George Mraz and Paul Motian (‘I’m All For You’ and ‘Joyous Encounter’), the present set could hardly be bettered. The fact that Hank is more than three decades older than the saxist barely registers, mainly because Lovano has now achieved a timeless maturity that’s been threatening for some time, and can momentarily recall Rollins or Webster without being in the slightest danger of sounding like anyone but himself.

Fortunately, despite being in such an exposed setting, Jones doesn’t justify the fears expressed lately about his facility, even on the two unaccompanied tracks. Outside of those, there’s only one American songbook item (a gorgeous ‘Lazy Afternoon’) and the rest of the programme is by people like Monk, Powell, Tadd Dameron, Thad Jones and the two protagonists. In short, what’s not to like?

Brian Priestley

This review is taken from Jazzwise Issue Number 108 - to read the full feature subscribe here and receive a free CD.