George Garzone - Four's and Two's (1996)

On all but two numbers -- the somber "In Memory of Deanne Nichols" and "To My Papa," which are ballad features for the leader -- George Garzone generously uses fellow tenor Joe Lovano as a co-leader throughout his CD. The two talented players blend together quite well (having carved out their own voices from Sonny Rollins, Joe Henderson, and other modern stylists), shooting out some fireworks on the title cut, which is based on "Airegin." Of the other more memorable selections, "Have You Met Miss Jones" is given a countermelody worthy of Lennie Tristano, Garzone and Lovano both switch to soprano on the humorously titled "Snow Place Like Home," and they take "In a Sentimental Mood" as a showcase for their two tenors sans rhythm. Although not particularly innovative, this sax summit is easily enjoyable and finds both George Garzone and Joe Lovano in top form.