Piano duets have the potential danger of getting overcrowded and a bit incoherent, but neither happens on this rather delightful set. Hank Jones and Tommy Flanagan, two of the four great jazz pianists (along with Barry Harris and Roland Hanna) to emerge from Detroit in the '40s and '50s, have similar styles and their mutual respect is obvious. Their renditions of seven superior bop standards (including "Jordu,""Confirmation" and Thad Jones'"A Child Is Born") plus an alternate take of "Robbins Nest" on this CD reissue are tasteful, consistently swinging and inventive within the tradition. - Scott Yanow
Tracks
1. Our Delight (Tadd Dameron)
2. Autumn Leaves (Joseph Kosma/Johnny Mercer/Jacques prévert)
3. Robbins Nest (Illinois Jacquet/Sir Charles Thompson)
4. Jordu (Duke Jordan)
5. Confirmation (Charlie Parker)
6. A Child Is Born (Thad Jones)
7. Lady Bird (Tadd Dameron)
8. Robbins Nest (Illinois Jaquet/Sir Charles Thompson)
TOMMY FLANAGAN piano
HANK JONES piano
Recorded January 28, 1978 at Fantasy Studios, Berkeley
Galaxy Records FCD-614-5113