Cal Collins & Frank Vincent - Just Friends (1986) [24bit FLAC]

Review by Ken Dryden
One of the more obscure albums in Cal Collins' discography is this duo session with pianist Frank Vincent, another musician who settled in Cincinnati who didn't have the national recognition of the guitarist. But these two friends obviously had a give-and-take partnership on this 1986 session, with neither man hogging the spotlight and an intuitive sense to play the perfect supporting line for the other's solo. Most of the focus is upon standards, including an intense bop setting of "What Is This Thing Called Love" and a lush, upbeat arrangement of "When Lights Are Low." Their loping yet lyrical treatment of Duke Ellington's infrequently performed "Azure" and an infectious rollicking blues "Somethin' Blue" (probably composed on the spot during the recording session) are also a lot of fun. This album probably wasn't in print for very long, as is true for many small-label releases, but it is well worth searching for, particularly if you are familiar with Cal Collins' other recordings.

Guitar – Cal Collins
Piano – Frank Vincent