Timeline

This duo affair by John Abercrombie and Andy LaVerne salutes the recorded meetings of pianist Bill Evans and guitarist Jim Hall, drawing material from their two duo recordings plus a blowing session made with a quintet. No mere re-creation of Evans and Halls earlier recordings, each piece is used as a launching point for inventive interplay and lively solos by Abercrombie and LaVerne. The driving opener is "My Funny Valentine," with the guitarist humorously incorporating a lick of "If I Only Had a Brain" in mid-solo, while Evans influence on LaVerne (a one-time student of the late pianist) is unmistakable. Their lyrical setting of Halls "All Across the City" suggests a lonely stroll at daylight, while Evans haunting ballad "Turn Out the Stars" also benefits from their sensitive approach. Two of three LaVerne compositions were penned especially for this recording, while "Inner Voice" also meshes well with the older songs associated with Evans and Halls work together. The only flaw within this masterful CD is the incorrect listing of Abercrombie as playing tenor sax on the back cover. ~ Ken Dryden