Two In Time

Recording and performing together since the late '70s, Gene Bertoncini and Michael Moore once more undertake the daunting task of making a guitar-bass duet session attractive to listeners without being boring or maudlin. Like their earlier efforts, Two in Time successfully fills the bill. The interesting play list, with a balanced mix of slow and up-tempo tunes, contributes much to making this a satisfying session. The medley of "The Bad and the Beautiful" and "Laura," with most of the players' attention given to the latter, is intriguing in the way that it segues back and forth between Moore's dark, brooding bowing on "Laura" and Bertoncini's upbeat guitar. Moore also bows on "You've Changed" which is a highlight of his introspective but very lyrical approach to the music. Revealing their classical roots, Bertoncini and Moore pay homage to Chopin with variations on one of his preludes, cleverly linked a medley with John Lewis' "Django." Ray Noble's "Cherokee" swings, while "These Foolish Things" makes your foot tap. Although Bertoncini stays mostly with the electric guitar on this set, he gets unplugged on "Wonderful Girl" (really "I'm in Love With a Wonderful Guy"). The one original, Moore's "The Lilter," takes on a Scottish motif with the bass and guitar replacing the bagpipes. Two fine artists very contented with each other and a comfortable song list makes for pleasant jazz played in a chamber setting.