May 20–27, 1999

disc quicks|jazz

Charlie Hunter/Leon Parker

Duo

(Blue Note)

This couple isn't as odd as you might think, at least not once you stop to consider their respective approaches to modern improvisation. Both Hunter and Parker make a virtue out of ambidextrous instrumentation—the former with his eight-string guitar-bass, and the latter with his arsenal of ethnic hand percussion. On this release, Hunter's soul-rooted groove music and Parker's Afro-centric jazz find common ground, with surprisingly good results. Their most effective playing occurs on the Latin-tinged tunes ("Mean Streak," "Calypso for Grandpa") which emphasize their rhythmic affinities. Most of the songs are imbued with Hunter's touch; "Recess," for instance, moves back and forth between a 6/8 circus feel and a lowdown blues shuffle. Less inspired is their take on Parker's "Belief," which suffers from sparse melodic treatment. The ballads ("You Don't Know What Love Is" and Brian Wilson's "Don't Talk") are pretty, but seem to endure a similar inertia. Fortunately, the antiseptic sheen that haunts Duo rarely affects either artist's live performances.

-Nate Chinen

Charlie Hunter performs with drummer Adam Cruz Tue., May 25, the Five Spot, 5 Bank St., 215-574-0070.