Swiss saxophonist George Robert is one of the top players of his generation, though he seems appreciated far more in Europe and Asia than in the US, probably because few of his recordings as a leader have been made for American labels. Known primarily for his brilliant work on alto sax, he opens this live duo date on soprano sax, with the phenomenal pianist Kenny Barron as his sole accompanist. The haunting ballad “Peace” is a superb opener, followed by a dancing “I Didn't Know What Time It Was.” Barron launches the furious postbop interpretation of “Softly, As in a Morning Sunrise,” with Robert switching back to alto. The shimmering rendition of Mal Waldron's “Soul Eyes” is absolutely breath taking. Barron has long been one of the most effective interpreters of the works of Thelonious Monk; both his playful approach to “Blue Monk" and his long introduction to “'Round Midnight uncover new ground in each of these popular songs. The disc wraps with Barron's thoughtful ballad “Song For Abdullah,” which Robert sits out. The brilliant sound of this DIW CD gives one the feeling of having a front row seat in the Geneva concert hall where it took place. - Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
Tracks
1. Peace (George Robert)
2. I Didn't Know What Time It Was (L. Hart/R. Rodgers)
3. Softly As In A Morning Sunrise (Oscar Hammerstein II/Sigmund Romberg)
4. Soul Eyes (M. Waldron)
5. Tristeza (George Robert)
6. Blue Monk (Thelonious Monk)
7. Round Midnight (Thelonious Monk)
8. A Day In Paris (George Robert)
9. Song For Abdullah (Kenny Barron)
KENNY BARRON piano
GEORGE ROBERT alto & soprano saxophones
Recorded August 12, 2002 live at the Victoria Hall in Geneva
DIW Records – DIW-945 (Japan)