John Lewis and
Hank Jones recorded a handful of duo piano albums during their careers and this 1979 studio session marks their final meeting, although the cover photo gives the impression that it is a concert. Issued as a direct-to-disc LP by
Toshiba-EMI in Japan, the program is dominated by
Lewis' originals, with bassist
George Duvivier and drummer
Shelly Manne added on four of the six tracks.
Lewis and
Jones are heard as a duo in the elegant
"P.O.V." and a relaxed interpretation of
"All the Things You Are." Each pianist also has a solo feature with the rhythm section;
Jones offers an easygoing take of
"Oh, Look at Me Now," while
Lewis includes his playful
"Sacha's March." Perhaps the most unusual track is
Lewis'
"Marchin'," which he composed as a part of his score for a Broadway musical about
Mahalia Jackson and also served as the theme song to the duo's series of concerts in Japan during their 1979 tour. Since this limited-edition LP was only issued in Japan, it will not be particularly easy to acquire. ~ Ken Dryden
