BARON, J. /FRISELL, B. - Just Listen

"Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come” is right in Frisell’s wheelhouse as a soulful blend of country, blues and gospel, and he delivers jagged electric phrases that, like fireworks, sometimes end abruptly with a starburst and sometimes zigzag before fading. John McLaughlin’s “Follow Your Heart” is likewise refried and slowly wrung out after sizzling. Baron comes to the fore on fleet but gentler tracks such as Benny Goodman’s “Benny’s Bugle,” Charlie Parker’s “My Little Suede Shoes” and a nifty soft-shoe take on “Cherokee.” The most pleasant surprise is the duo’s rendition of “Mood,” the Ron Carter tune that closes Miles Davis’ E.S.P. album, here done with meandering but keenly attuned interplay that charms with its restraint."