Two vital but often overlooked virtuosi, in the relaxed atmosphere of a “lounge gig," put on a dazzling display of melodic and rhythmic brilliance in “Pacific Standard Time, the new CD from UFO-BASS records. In a program of nine standards, the pair, backed by bassist Richard Simon, deliver chorus after wonderful chorus of mature yet playful improvisations, relfecting their combined experience of over a century of sophisticated music-making. Long acknowledged as one of the pioneers of jazz flute (along with Jerome Richardson and Herbie Mann), Sam Most continues to play at a remarkably high level. His youthful energy bursts forth on the CD's brisk opening cut, “Avalon." Even after guitar & bass announce a “shout chorus," Most builds momentum into yet another go-around, without a hint of creative (or physical) exhaustion. And for Al Viola, rhythm guitarist with Frank Sinatra for parts of four decades, this evening is a showcase of his enormous talents as both accompanist and soloist. He limns and leavens Most's ideas with single-note counter-lines, and chordal punctuations emulating a horn section. His own solos are fluid, in the be-bop idiom without the cliches, often ending with a stunning chorus of chords. His peerless ballad styling makes “My Romance" one of the highlights of the entire disc. Clearly, these West Coast residents would get more attention if they lived on the “right" shore. But “Pacific Standard Time" should bring wider recognition to two masters of the art, whose musicianship sets a very high standard indeed.

“Pacific Standard Time" is the fourth commercial release on the UFO-BASS label. Visit their website: www.ufo-bass.com