Songs We Know
Nonesuch Records takes a page out of the Verve playbook, feasting two of its most respected players (perhaps "popular" isn't the right word) in guitarist Frisell and pianist Hersch, on a series of chestnuts. Frisell has, after all, made his name by casting a post-ironic net over the past (again, think of Verve elevating the similar-looking Charlie Haden to represent NPR's All Things Americana). But on last year'sThelonious, Hersch, a straight-ahead player who has nonetheless taken on inventive settings in the past, boasted an intelligently post-modern touch as well. Here, Frisell's trademark stereo effects are reined in a bit (an exception will be the opening take on Rodgers and Hammerstein's "It Might As Well Be Spring"), while the duo setting emphasizes the right hands of both players. The often fugue-like interplay can evoke Lennie Tristano's work with Billy Bauer, although I would not put this CD quite on that level. The takes are relatively faithful, if not reverent, and I detect Frisell's arch, unsmirking touch in choices such as "Someday My Prince Will Come" and Jobim's "Wave." Like I said, these are chestnuts. But only lightly roasted.--D. Strauss