By Frank Alkyer | Published April 2015
If you ever want to know what perfection sounds like, just listen to Duets, the great new recording by Kevin Eubanks and Stanley Jordan. Here we have two of the world’s finest guitarists, playing in the most intimate of settings: the duet format. Knowing how different each of them is stylistically makes the concept fascinating. Both have been musical searchers and can play in the tradition, but have refused to be pigeonholed or categorized in any way. Both have kept their musical vision wide open, free to follow their muse of the day. But here, we see a real simpatico, respect and joy in playing together that is so rare. “Morning Sun,” one of four originals on this 10-track masterpiece, is a melodic piece that’s full of tone, taste and technique. It builds into the perfect platform for both musicians to show of their chops—make that their artistry. “Old School Jam” is exactly that and a bag of chips, a fun, old-school blues jam. “Vibes” is a lovely, thoughtful ballad that delivers a shiver and a sigh. “Goin’ On Home” is a beautiful blues ballad. Duets also features six well-chosen covers ranging from chestnuts like “Summertime,” “Nature Boy,” “A Child Is Born” and “Blue In Green” to Adele’s “Someone Like You” and Ellie Goulding’s pop hit “Lights.” What’s amazing about these two artists is the breadth of their ability. For example, Eubanks plays bass on “Nature Boy,” “Summertime” and “Lights,” and piano on “Someone Like You,” “A Child Is Born” and “Vibes.” Jordan plays piano on “Blue In Green.” No one misses a beat. They just seem to be wrapped up in a great conversation. And that’s the beauty of Duets: It’s a conversation where no words are needed between two old friends. (To view a clip of Eubanks and Jordan performing “Morning Sun” live in the studio, click here.)
