The Dublin Concert
Livia, 2024
9/10
Recorded way back in 1982, this live set from the guitarists Louis Stewart and Jim Hall spotlights each of their distinct jazz styles via 8 standards and improvised dialogue.
“Stella By Starlight” opens the evening with a striking duo setting of the Victor Young tune with strong attention to detail and warmth, and “2 Degrees East, 3 Degrees West” follows with a superb solo moment from Hall, where his meticulous technique is quite rhythmic.
At the midpoint, “All The Things You Are”, by Jerome Kern, offers a low tempo solo setting, while “Saint Thomas”, by Sonny Rollins, is a fuller moment of percussive sounds amid the swift guitar acrobatics.
The last 2 tracks, “How Deep Is The Ocean” and “In A Sentimental Mood”, don’t disappoint either. The former is a frisky duet of timeless energy, and the latter has Hall emitting intimacy and grace via the precise and moody delivery.
Stewart, who was the first true world renowned jazz musician from Ireland, and Hall, who was a leader of 20th century modern jazz guitar, bring their inimitable talents to this only known recording of them performing together that’s a must for fans of guitar jazz.
Travels well with: Sharon Isbin- Live In Aspen; Cally Banham- Tango To The Core