Marc Copland & Vic Juris - Double Play (2002)

This warm duo collaboration between pianist Marc Copland and guitarist Vic Juris is a textbook example of a well-planned and executed studio date. Starting with an imaginative treatment of "Who Can I Turn To," the chemistry between the two musicians is apparent in their support of each other's solos as well as in the crisp interplay. Other standards, such as "I Loves You, Porgy" and "Stella By Starlight," also display a freshness even though they have been recorded countless times by many other jazz artists. The originals by each man deserve attention as well; both Copland's brooding "Dark Territory" and Juris' "Vaults" have a haunting sound, while the breezy bop of the guitarist's "Twenty Five" is pure joy. Nat Adderley's "Jive Samba" takes on a darker tone in their intriguing arrangement, and the last-minute suggestion of Dizzy Gillespie's "Con Alma" proves to be the perfect closer, with Copland's lush chords accompanied by Juris on acoustic guitar in a very deliberate performance. This outstanding session deserves to be ranked alongside any of the landmark piano/guitar duo recordings one can name. ~Ken Dryden