Hristo Vitchev / Weber Iago: Heartmony

The meeting between two artists can represent an exchange of ideas and disciplines, as well as a sense of fellowship. Both are evinced in Heartmony, the second duo release from guitarist Hristo Vitchev and pianist Weber Iago; a collaborative follow up to 2009's The Secrets of an Angel on Vitchev's First Orbit Sounds label.

With an air that's reminiscent of guitarist Pat Metheny and pianist Lyle Mays' simpatico, the eleven tracks include Vitchev's "The Farewell Suite," music inspired by reflections on his personal life. With touches of melancholic beauty and striking adventurism, the suite imparts an expansive and rural-like quality that is analogous to observing a picturesque landscape.

One of the suite's most memorable tracks is "The Imperative Expression," a meditative reflection that Vitchev states "as the idea that somehow life goes on and that we have to deal with and accept such changes." The track's persona comes to life in a quiet procession—first with Iago's persistent chords, then by Vitchev's acoustic guitar—as the two repeat and improvise over the melody. It is atmospheric, introspective, and the perfect prescription for a stressful day.