For those unaware, legendary vibraphonist Joe Locke reunites with pianist Phil Markowitz for Smoke and Mirrors, a deeply personal live duo recording that celebrates four decades of friendship and musical partnership.

The seven-track collection features six original compositions alongside a stunning interpretation of ‘Soul Eyes’ (by Mal Waldron). Locke contributes four pieces including the title track, ‘Dawning Dance’, and ‘Broken Toy’, whilst Markowitz offers three works: ‘Seven’, ‘Sno’ Peas’, and ‘Ambushed’. Together, these compositions showcase the remarkable telepathic understanding that defines their musical dialogue.

Recorded live at East Stroudsburg University, the collection reflects their extraordinary musical symbiosis developed since their first meeting when Locke was just 13.

This remarkable spontaneous recording documents not only their accumulated wisdom but their enduring joy in collaborative music-making.

1. Smoke And Mirrors
2. Seven
3. Dawning Dance
4. Soul Eyes
5. Sno’ Peas
6. Broken Toy
7. Ambushed

Smoke and Mirrors, which stands as a testament to the power of sustained musical friendship, offering listeners an intimate glimpse into the creative process of two master musicians at the peak of their collaborative artistry, opens on the refreshingly vibrant Smoke And Mirrors and the flourishing, at first, poignantly peaked latterly Seven and then we get the free flowing musical majesties sewn within Dawning Dance, the delightfully decadent Soul Eyes, the sparkling Sno’ Peas, the set rounding out on the lavishly opulent Broken Toy, coming to a close on the grandeur of Ambushed.

“History. If I’ve got it with anyone, I’ve got it with Phil Markowitz,” reflects Locke. “This recording is a meaningful document for me not only because it reflects the amount of dedication, life experience and learning accumulated since those early days, but also because it’s a testament to the joy of music making and an enduring friendship.”

For Markowitz, the duo format represents the ultimate test of musical communication. “The duo is the most intimate musical improvisational environment. You must have absolute trust and communication, or the music fails. Joe Locke and I have that sympatico, and that is reflected in these selections.”

www.joelocke.com

www.philmarkowitzjazz.com