Clare Fischer
has always been known for his adventurousness. In his long and estimable career as pianist, organist, arranger, composer, and conductor, he's worked with everyone from
Dizzy
to
Prince
, and here duets with
Bert van den Brink
, the fine Dutch pianist, organist, and composer. Recorded live and clear on their topless Fazioli grands, they're playing in a small, old Austerlitz church that was converted into a concert hall with a warm and attentive audience seated all around them. Due to a minor road mishap, there was no time for rehearsal or even a definitive set list -- but with musicians of this caliber, this is more opportunity than disadvantage. The result is an extraordinary evening of musical spontaneity, fellowship, and wit, which is even more remarkable because
van den Brink
is totally blind, and visual cues were impossible. The CD features a variety of duo and solo tracks, from the swinging
"Hoaky Blues"
and
"Donna Lee"
through soulful meditations on
"Smoke Gets in Your Eyes,"
"Yesterdays,"
"Memories of You,"
to a riotous
"Chopsticks"
and hip commentary on various
"Pennies."
There's also a splendid version of
Fischer
's classic
"Morning,"
a pensive
original (
"Woods
), and a fascinating seat-of-pants medley that includes both
Mozart
Louis Bonfa
. You can hear the delight of discovery in the players' comments, the general laughter, and -- above all -- in the music. Highly recommended. ~ Judith Schlesinger