Two great pianists, one scintillating concert where they play together and apart. It has all the makings of something special, and that's exactly what it is.
Weber Iago starts off with a couple of solo pieces that demonstrate his more angular style, especially on "Alone Together," where he melds post-bop shards of melody with some interesting rhythmic ideas. That sets the stage for
Jovino Santos Neto, who has far more flow, before the two combine for a series of duets. The real joy is in discovering just how well they work together on a piece like "Ser Feliz," and trip their way through several Brazilian classics, including one, "Desafinado," where one of the musicians -- not identified -- turns in some excellent harmonica work. The pair is joined by saxophonist
Joe Lovano for the final cut,
Jobim's standard, "Wave." It makes for a lovely ending, with
Lovano's soprano trilling high above the keyboards and a glorious piece of bossa nova. It's all great on disc -- it must have been wonderful to have been there. ~ Chris Nickson