JOHN SCOFIELD / JOHN ABERCROMBIE - Solar (1984-1996) APE (image+.cue), lossless

Guitarists John Abercrombie and John Scofield join forces for these early-'80s sessions, mostly duets while occasionally adding bassist George Mraz and drummer Peter Donald. They delve into the jazz canon with an intricate duet of "Solar," a driving, Latin-fused take of "Four on Six" (in which Abercrombie overdubs an electric mandolin), and a dreamy duo interpretation of "If You Could See Me Now." The sole standard, "I Should Care," fares just as well in their hands, which settles into a relaxed exchange between the two players as if they are playing for themselves alone. Scofield's "Small Wonder" is scored for the quartet, a bristling post-bop vehicle with a feature for Mraz as well. Abercrombie's introspective "Sing Song" best contrasts the styles of the two leaders, with the composer a bit more melodic and Scofield with a more brittle attack. This is an enjoyable CD that has stood the test of time very well. by Ken Dryden
Tracklist  
1 Solar 4:03
Written By – Miles Davis
2 Even Steven 6:52
Written By – John Abercrombie
3 Four On Six 6:22
Written By – Wes Montgomery
4 Sing Song 6:19
Written By – John Abercrombie
5 Small Wonder 6:23
Written By – John Scofield
6 I Should Care 6:37
Written By – Axel Stordahl, Paul Weston, Sammy Cahn
7 If You Could See Me Now 5:59
Written By – Tadd Dameron
Credits
Bass – George Mraz
Drums – Peter Donald
Guitar – John Abercrombie, John Scofield
Mandolin [Electric] – John Abercrombie