Search - Wycliffe Gordon, Eric Reed :: We

A duet of masters

D. Berg | Rockville Centre, NY USA | 08/13/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Make no mistakes: Eric Reed (piano) and Wycliffe Gordon (trombone) are both among the top musicians in the world at their respective instruments. The two have both appeared on each other's previous albums, have performed together numerous times, have played with Wynton Marsalis' most successful sextet, and share an apparent love for gospel music. Their chemistry is apparent on this album, as the two play off each other beatifully in each and every piece.
As a trombone player myself, I can't help but marvel at Gordon's mix of style and technical ability. Although Steve Turre and Robin Eubanks seem to win the polls more often, I'm pretty sure that Wycliffe Gordon is the best trombone player in the world, and it shows on this album. His solos are absolutely ridiculous. Reed, obviously, is no slouch either, and his swift hands provide the full rhythm section, and sometimes a lead part, behind Gordon's horn.
If you're someone who loves jazz duets then this album, for you, will be a definite 5 star work. I gave it four stars, only because I can't help but prefer a fuller sound and a backing drumbeat. However, this is the best collection of jazz duets I've ever heard."