Sunday Morning

Having worked extensively as a composer for television, movies, and theater, pianist Randy Klein founded his Jazzheads label in the early '90s as a vehicle to feature his compositions along with CDs by other jazz musicians. Sunday Morning is an unusual concept, consisting of a series of alternating duets with trombonist Chris Washburne and tenor saxophonist Oleg Kireyev. The two guests absorbed each of Klein's compositions as if they were part of their regular repertoire, engaging in brilliant call-and-response exchanges with the leader. Washburne is featured on six tracks, starting with the playful "Hiding Out," which teasingly begins as a riff tune but progresses into an expressive vehicle for both men. The whimsical nature of "I Caught You in a Lie" is immediately apparent even though there are no lyrics, while "House on the Hill" suggests a nostalgic memory of childhood. Kireyev makes the most of the somber, slow tango "Truly Yours," with a layer of elegance added to Klein's sensual theme. The carefree "Lottery Day" suggests a walk in the park on a breezy spring day, while Kireyev's spacious, whispering tone in the waltz "Fly Free" provides a perfect complement to Klein's lyrical piano to conclude this enjoyable CD.