Two's Company may be the most valuable release of the year to emerge from Kansas City’s jazz community. While the elite mastery of trumpet and flugelhorn Stan Kessler displays on the album is hardly news, his decision to showcase three generations of Kansas City pianists provides a crucial service.
Pianists Joe Cartwright, Brant Jester, Andrew Ouellette, Brian Ward, Roger Wilder and Charles Williams don’t possess the relatively higher profile of the garrulous Kessler, a fixture on Kansas City’s jazz scene. Two’s Company is a welcome corrective.
As the title suggests, Two’s Company consists solely of duets. Jester’s lively melodicism makes “Blue Silver” an ideal opening track. Cartwright’s sensitivity highlights a heartbreaking rendering of “Chelsea Bridge.” Williams’ sprightly elegance propels “Way Down Yonder in New Orleans.”
“Berlin November” spotlights Wilder’s mainstream mastery. Ouellette’s contribution to “New Moon” shows why he’s among Kansas City’s most sought after accompanists. Ward’s maturity balances Kessler’s childlike glee on “Cosmic Latte.”
Kessler’s distinctive tone and improvisational dexterity sparkle on Two’s Company. Yet it’s his eagerness to share the spotlight with six of Kansas City’s under-documented pianists that makes Kessler’s album essential.
