Mad & Eddie

Longtime features of the San Francisco jazz scene,the musical partnership of this husband and wife duo debuts here with an originally self-produced album that was recorded "live" in the studio with no overdubs. Now issued by Milestone Records, it marks Eddie Duran's return to the label where he made his first recordings. The sax/guitar duo utilizes two different rhythm sections to compliment the almost 50/50 split of jazz standards and Latin jazz compositions. Most notable, however, are the duets ("Everything I Love," and "Besamé Mucho" featuring Mad's flute) where the close personal relationship between Mad and Eddie transcends the physical world to create a musical marriage--a balanced give and take of creative conversation.

CD highlights include a strong ensemble presentation of Bill Evan's "Very Early" and "CTA" (by Jimmy Heath) where Eddie steps up with heartfelt guitar work and pianist Al Plank swings into high gear. An interesting 5/4 arrangement of a "My Favorite Things/Take Five" medley cast a new light on these two standards with an especially notable percussion solo by Raul Ramirez.