Friendly Fire: Live at Smoke

There is a long tradition of "saxophone battles" in jazz with duos such as and or performing together in a kind of sporting joust of abilities, a gentleman's contest for who is the better player. On the 2012 concert album , tenor saxophonist and alto saxophonist join in this tradition with a swinging, passionate set of standards recorded live at the respected N.Y.C. venue. The album is actually a re-pairing of the duo, who first sparred on 2005's . This time around they spar over such numbers as 's "Pat 'N' Chat," 's "Inception," the standard "You've Changed," as well as 's own "Timothy," among others. Backing the saxophonists here are pianist , bassist , and drummer . This is a lively and exciting session of adventurous and old-school straight-ahead jazz. ~ Matt Collar