The Jim Self & John Chiodini Duo The Light Fantastic

The Jim Self & John Chiodini Duo
The Light Fantastic
Bassett Hound Music

"The Light Fantastic" is an unusual duo of tuba specialist Jim Self and guitarist John Chiodini. Both have been involved in a number of projects, including work playing on soundtracks and the like. The dup setting provides for intimate music conversations. There are several originals by Self, mixed with interesting renditions of jazz standards and the American songbook.

The musical conversations between Self and Chiodini are fascinating at the minimum. Self negotiates the melodies and constructs some intriguing solos while Chiodini comps to support him. Self also provides bass lines for Chiodini's solos. Chiodini provides a lively opening for the opening title track with Self's buzzing solo. There are several other well-performed, straight-ahead selections here. One is a remarkable interpretation of Gerry Mulligan's "Reunion," itself a contrafact of "There Will Never Be Another You," and the lovely ballad, "Here's That Rainy Day," with Self's appealing wooly solo. Also of note is the mid-tempo rendition of Joe Henderson's "Recorda Me," and the charm of Self's ballad "Pavane." On the latter number, Chiodini's backing, and his solo, is exquisite. In contrast, there is a chamber group flavor to the performance of Cesar Cameras Mariano's "Curumim."

As agile a player as Jim Self, the tuba's limited tonal range might make listening to this album in one sitting difficulty. That said, if one focuses on several selections at a time, a listener will find one's attention rewarded by these engaging performances.

I received a download to review from a publicist.