Grand Slam
They may be Cleveland's most distinguished jazz exports, but guitarist Jim Hall and saxophonist Joe Lovano share more than that. Hall is an almost laconic, lyric player who can generate intense drive based on subtle placement. Lovano often mixes a light, cool-school sonority with the most forceful lines, creating a style of his own that's as muchStan GetzasJohn ColtraneorSonny Rollins. Throughout their careers, they've both been willing to take creative risks, too, "inside" players who can play "outside."  There are dates withOrnette ColemanandEric Dolphyin Hall's discography, and both are definitely on Lovano's list of influences. Hall and Lovano also bring some exalted listening skills to this live recording from Cambridge's Regattabar, as do bassistGeorge Mrazand drummer Lewis Nash.There are four tunes by Hall and three by Lovano. All their melodic gifts are apparent on the ballads "Chelsea Rendezvous" and "All Across the City." "Blackwell's Message," Lovano's tribute to thelate drummer, finds new sonorities in the composer's grainy alto clarinet and Hall's sparse, bell-like solo. "Feel Free" is a blues that gets a very free treatment, with Lovano's alto hinting strongly at Coleman. Hall's "Border Crossing" has a swirling guitar-soprano unison that sets up multiple rhythmic implications and developed group dialogue. "Say Hello to Calypso" may inevitably recall Hall's days with Rollins, but it's the startling steelpan sound of his guitar that's most memorable. Hall and Lovano both have tremendous reputations, the kind that might allow lesser musicians to coast, but there's none of that here; just concentrated, joyous spontaneity by players willing to challenge themselves and one another.--Stuart Broomer