Conversation
The exciting French pianist Michel Petrucciani overcame the physical  limitations of his bone-diseased body and played some incredible piano with the likes of Charles Lloyd and Wayne Shorter, and with his own groups, before his passing in 1999. This live recording captures the diminutive pianist performing with his father, guitarist Tony Petrucciani, whose sound and improvisations are a zesty Gallic blend of Django Reinhardt and Joe Pass. Together, father and son play with intimacy and improvisational ingenuity on George Gershwin's "Summertime," Charlie Parker's bop anthem "Billie's Bounce," and the eternal standard "All the Things You Are." On "Nuages," Tony Petrucciani's linear and lyrical guitar lines are showcased in a soulful solo setting, and on "Nardis," Michel Petrucciani shows off his unique symbiosis of Bill Evans's and Keith Jarrett's keyboard wizardry in an unaccompanied spotlight. The Petruccianis turn to the book of Miles Davis to deliver their best playing, transforming the waltzy "Someday My Prince Will Come" into a swinging family affair.--Eugene Holley Jr.