Record date: February 17, 1986
This was the very first studio recording by the great Lacy/Waldron duo. They had performed together many times, both as a duo as in larger groups. In a duo setting, it was always live: at Dreher, the Bimhuis and at the Jazzbuhne. The only records that were already released at the time of this duo was the stuff at Dreher. And there’s more that makes this recording unique. It consists only of Billy Strayhorn and Duke Ellington compositions. It leads to a sound that is familiar on one hand but is also very different from their previous works. It’s definitely the most accesible one of their work together.
Accessible yes, but boring? No way! It’s another fantastic recording which I revisit over and over again. The starting ‘Johnny Come Lately’ has that ice cold dark atmosphere set by Lacy with his beautiful tone on the soprano. Even when he plays so dissonant it all makes sense. The composition gets a whole new sound. Songs like a ‘Prelude to a Kiss’ and ‘Star Crossed Lovers’ are just incredibly beautiful with both Lacy and Waldron picking each note carefully. It’s Lacy in it’s most melodic accessible way, clearly respecting the tradition these songs were written in, yet still sounding creative and innovative.
What is central again on this record is the interplay between them. It’s like they are one and the same person constantly interacting, talking to each other and reacting on even the smallest details the other is playing. I would not be surprised if one of them would actually be capable of predicting what the other is about to play. And that is very impressive as both are not very predictable musicians. One of the best examples of this is also one of the most beautiful songs on the album: ‘A Flower is a Lonesome Thing’. One of the other things that stands out is that this music isn’t so much about technical skills (while both musicians have them) but more about emotional depth and feeling. These compositions really get a new meaning instead of just being played.
This was released on the great Italian ‘Soul Note’ label. It’s excellent in sound and widely available in any form. This one is credited to Mal, being the first artist mentioned, but that really was a random choice. Some of their records mention Mal first, others Steve. It’s really like their music: fully balanced with both playing an equally important part. This really is essential music and one of the best sax-piano duo’s I know.
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