Rhapsody

This duo date reunites two musicians who have worked together on many recording sessions since first playing alongside one another in the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra during the 1970s. Tenor saxophonist Rich Perry and pianist Harold Danko make up a compelling duo, as each musician intuitively reacts to the other's playing in this studio meeting that focuses on familiar standards and jazz compositions. Even though all seven of the standards heard on this disc have been recorded frequently over the decades, they find something new to say in each of them. The lush, relaxed setting of "Yesterdays" brings out its inherent lyricism more than typical performances, while they also take their time in a dreamy exploration of "Star Eyes." Their moving interpretation of Tadd Dameron's "Soultrane" and the easygoing take of John Coltrane's "Central Park West" round out this rewarding effort.