Danilo Moccia / Paul Haag Quartet: Two Bones

Two Bones is a delightful bop session double-headed by the the smooth trombone playing of Danilo Moccia and Paul Haag. These men are surely two of the best "bone" players in the business; playing with imagination and facility on what is generally agreed upon to be a difficult instrument to master. This is a live date recorded in Europe in 1998 for TCB, a label based in Switzerland whose commitment to excellence, and the preservation of the jazz heritage is evident through a string of recent releases featuring some outstanding European musicians such as saxophonist Andy Scherrer (reviewed in July's reviews), the International Hashva Orchestra, and an ensemble commemorating the music of Duke Ellington. It is wonderful to know that our brothers on the other side of the Atlantic have the fortitude to support and document the American artform.

The set tunes on this date feature some rather well known jazz classics such as Nat Adderley's "Work Song", and Horace Silver's "Song For My Father" as well as some originals by Paul Haag and Isla Eckinger. All the performances are earnest, the rhythm section is tight, and the arrangements are crisp, and well balanced. This ensemble plays music that is very enjoyable to listen to, and draws from an overall excellent collection of material taken from the be-bop and post-bop genres. Continuing proof that our American music is alive and well abroad. Europe: We salute you!