(Post-Bop) Jesse van Ruller & Bert van den Brink - In Pursuit - 2006 (Japan Edition), MP3, 320 kbps

I'm a big fan of Dutch guitarist Jesse van Ruller since I heard his Live at Murphy's Law (FNCJ-5504). With astonishing technique, clear and warm tone, and fresh musical ideas, van Ruller is one of the most exciting straight-ahead jazz guitarists to watch today.
His latest release, In Pursuit, is an extraordinary guita-piano duo album that needs to be heard. When it was released by the 55 Records label, it became a big hit in Japan where many fans follow his activities closely. His partner is a fellow Dutchman, Bert van den Brink, a veteran musician (b. 1958) who has performed with Dee Dee Bridgewater, Lee Konitz and Toots Thielemans.
The duo has beautiful sounds both individually and together, and they are captured beautifully in this delightful CD. From the lyrical and sunny opener "Here Comes the Sun" (van Ruller's original composition) to dreamy "Estate," the two musicians exhibit musical empathy that is extraordinary. They clearly inspired each other in these sessions, and they swing, too!
In addition to seven tunes recorded in a studio, the CD includes two selections from a live performance in a jazz club. In my humble opinion, this is a superior, and more exciting, piano-guitar duo album than the recent release by Brad Mehldau and Pat Metheny. Very highly recommended!