Hal Galper & Jeff Johnson - Maybeck Duets (1996)

Piano/bass duos can get rather tiresome unless there's risk taking, of which there's plenty on this live date. Hal Galper and his bassist Jeff Johnson wanted more than just trading off solo and rhythm keeping roles. Instead they perform a daring tightrope act without a single fall in their series of brilliant interpretations. Their fresh uptempo version of "Isfahan," a dramatic "Blue And Green," plus two fine originals by University of Miami professor Ron Miller and Galper's pretty waltzing ballad "This One's for You" are all very enjoyable. Highly recommended.

Review by Ken Dryden