The Jim Self-John Chiodini Duo: Feels So Good

Tuba maestro Jim Self and gregarious guitarist John Chiodini unite for the fifth time on Feels So Good, a studio date whose title neatly encapsulates its upbeat vibe. Even though it seems at first blush that the tuba and guitar should be playing in different leagues, Self and Chiodini somehow make the odd mixture work. Self usually carries the melodic weight while Chiodini offers counterpoint and rhythmic support. The duo performs on eight of the session's thirteen numbers and is reinforced by guest artists on the other five.

Those visitors include tenor saxophonist Steve Marsh (on his own "Fanciful Dream"), alto saxophonist Phil Feather (Billy Strayhorn's "Isfahan"), trombonist Bill Booth (the Richard Rodgers/Lorenz Hart standard "Polka Dots and Moonbeams") and trumpeter Kris Bergh (Raymond Reed's charming "Riddle of the Mode"). Chiodini wrote the swaying "I Forget" and mellow "Midsummer," Chuck Mangione penned the album's seductive title theme, Koji Kondo composed "Super Mario," Lee Morgan wrote the bop benchmark "Sidewinder" and "Little Beauty" is a Jim Self original written for a niece who died of cancer, while Ornette Coleman's vigorous "Blues Connotation" serves as the finale on which everyone blows and has a chance to solo one more time.

Although Self and Chiodini work quite well on their own, it helps to have some diversity on the menu, and their talented guests lend helping hands and provide a more generous frame of reference whenever they appear. Old hands Marsh, Feather and Booth are skilled craftsmen, while the younger Bergh shows why he is so well-respected by his peers. Meanwhile, Self and Chiodini shine on "You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To," Ennio Morricone's memorable theme from the film Cinema Paradiso and elsewhere.

Yes, this is a feel-good session, one that fits Self, Chiodini and their skillful guests like the proverbial glove. Everyone is focused and at ease, which helps make the result of their endeavor a genuine pleasure to hear.