John Coates Jr.

Pianists John Coates and Eric Doney are two veterans of the jazz scene who deserve much wider recognition. This 1999 duo concert, recorded in front of an attentive audience at East Stroudsburg University, appears on Doney's small but terrific Pacific St. label. The program consists exclusively of originals by one man or the other, and all of them are gems, performed with the give and take that is the goal of any duo piano performance, but one rarely achieved. Some of the highlights include Doney's "Lauren," a pretty country-flavored ballad, Coates' elegant and pastoral "Epilog No. 99," and the rollicking finale, "Arm Cluster Stomp." Each pianist also has a solo feature and makes the most of the opportunity. This recommended CD is available through the label's website at www.pacificstrecords.com. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide