A superb duo working on some classic compositions.
greg taylor | Portland, Oregon United States | 01/21/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a magnificent addition to the body of work of both of the principals. Lacy and Waldron knew each other well. They worked together many times and frequently collaborated on versions of Monk's music.
This particular recording was made in 1982 by Sjaak Willemse, an employee of the Bimhuis, who was occassionally given permission to record events at that venue. Perhaps because Willemse was recording only a duo, the quality of the recording is surprisingly good. The program includes Lacy's Blues for Aida, Waldron's Snake Out and three Monk compositions- Reflections, Round Midnight and Epistrophy. The total time of the recording I calculate to be right around fifty minutes.
The music made by these two on that night is superb. Waldron's solo on his Snake Out is a lovely blues jaunt full of odd little rhythm effects. The Monk tunes are lovely. Lacy and Waldron know these tunes so well, they play them with such ease, grace and focus that it makes any sort of attempt at criticism irrelevent. Monk's tunes have been a part of my life for so long that it is difficult for me to imagine anyone not liking them. I never get tired of hearing some of them. I have often thought that one could make an interesting couple of hours of radio by looking at all the ways different players have approached, e.g., Round Midnight. Lacy's use of tone of this version of the tune has never been lovelier. He really did have extraordinary control of that irrascible horn.
I cannot claim enough knowledge of the body of work of either Waldron or Lacy to know whether this recording is essential. For various reasons, I have not paid enough attention to these two. This CD has convinced me that that is a mistake. All I can suggest is that you listen to the samples provided above and decide for yourself if this is not an example of the flourishing of musical excellence.
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