Joe Locke & David Hazeltine Quartet - Mutual Admiration Society 2 (2009)

The incredible chemistry between vibraphonist Joe Locke and pianist David Hazeltine during their earlier Sharp Nine CD, Mutual Admiration Society, obviously inspired a follow-up record date, though it took a decade for producer Marc Edelman to make it happen, with bassist Essiet Essiet and drummer Billy Drummond returning as well. Both Locke and Hazeltine are superb soloists and sensitive accompanists for one another, while Essiet and Drummond prove why they are both among the first-call players for all kinds of dates. Locke's joyful, driving post-bop vehicle "Pharoah Joy" is a delightful opener that salutes Pharoah Sanders. Hazeltine's engaging "One for Reedy Ree" honors the late Tony Reedus (an in-demand drummer who died far too young), a gliding hard bop chart that Reedus would have enjoyed playing. A third tribute, Hazeltine's "Blues for Buddy," salutes the late pianist/vibraphonist Buddy Montgomery, who died just over a month prior to the CD's official release. Also noteworthy is Hazeltine's thoughtful adaptation of Stevie Wonder's "If It's Magic." A third volume is clearly in order to follow up this rewarding session. ~ Ken Dryden