Jerry Bergonzi and
Andy LaVerne had recorded together prior to this 2003 session, but this was their first duo effort. With a great mix of standards plus four originals from the prolific
LaVerne, all goes well. "Intuition" is a surprisingly subdued opener, a haunting
LaVerne composition featuring
Bergonzi on soprano sax; for the remainder of the CD, he plays tenor. Another lyrical original, "Mea Culpa," is a bit mournful and suggests the inevitable apology of the male of the species to his mate for whatever wrong was committed. Their expansive take of
Thelonious Monk's "Pannonica" maintains the piece's integrity while also allowing both soloists plenty of freedom. Each of the standards sounds fresh in the duo's capable hands, especially the reharmonized treatment of
Cy Coleman's "Witchcraft" and the driving take of
Cole Porter's "I Love You." Recommended.
–
Ken Dryden, Rovi