Jim Hall and Pat Metheny

Facebook has so kindly informed me that "Jim Hall" is trending, as the jazz guitar legend passed away this Tuesday. I can't say I know very much about this man, except that he was featured on a CD that played in my car for about a month straight. The 1999 album, "Jim Hall and Pat Metheny" is a jazz compilation of dueling guitars in the very best sense of the term: not a competition to see whose fingers move faster over predictably distorted licks, but more of a call and response of softly-picked melodies that just sit right.

I'm more drawn to Metheny's playing, and I think he sort of overshadows Hall in this album, but that's not to say Hall isn't relevant. In particular, the second song of the list, a take of "All the Things You Are" is fantastic. Metheny's characteristic improvisation underlies Hall's creative interpretation of the head to open the piece. I really get a sense that these two gentlemen have utmost respect for each other and are reveling in each other's greatness.

The album continues on with songs that didn't even bother to be named. "Improvisation No. 1" is the first of five songs that seem like they derived from an uncontrollable need to just let loose and have fun in the recording studio. When two giants of their genre do this, it's good enough to publish. Along with the improv numbers, there are seven recorded tracks to go along with six live tracks.

If you're into jazz, or just want to get a taste of the late jazz icon, I would recommend this album. Just take a moment to appreciate the masterful tone of these two guitars, and their clean, serene melodies.