Two New

Following the success of their earlier collaboration, Mal Waldron and George Haslam continue with a sly collection of standards and originals. As before, there is a remarkable telepathy between the players, which translates to some delightful interaction between these two masters. Haslam must be one of the most underrated players on saxophone. Here, he shows a strong command of both the baritone and soprano saxophones, as well as the taragato, which he blows on “From Charleston ’til Now.” Waldron picks every note as though it is his last, his mastery of the keyboard incorporating the history of the modern tradition from Monk to beyond. His essentially lyrical approach makes him a favorite of players like Steve Lacy and George Haslam, both of whom appreciate the sophisticated mix of modern harmony and melodic invention. – Steve Loewy