Crossroads

The pairing of tenor saxophonists Peter Sommer and Rich Perry is reminiscent of the many two-tenor dates of the 1950s, '60s, and early '70s, though on this occasion the leader is a good bit younger than his guest. That is of no consequence, as this is a meeting of equals, where both players stimulate one another throughout the session, driven by the superb rhythm section consisting of pianist Eric Gunnison, bassist Ken Walker, and drummer Todd Reid. Sommer draws heavily from the greats of bop, hard bop, and post-bop, including a brisk, enjoyable treatment of Bud Powell's "The Fruit" and an eerie but fun setting of Wayne Shorter's "Dance Cadaverous." Sommer contributed a pair of originals: the exotic "Shoshin" and the breezy midtempo bopper "Carpe Coffee," which suggests a stroll on a cool, sunny spring afternoon. The two saxophonists engage in intricate unaccompanied interplay to introduce "Alone Together." Perry sits out the final track, a moving interpretation of "'Round Midnight" that showcases Sommer's thoughtful solo with the support of Gunnison's imaginative backing.