You wouldn’t think so, but jazz guitar and bass duets are surprisingly rare in recorded jazz, especially considering how common they are on stage. John Stein and Dave Zinno’s Wood and Strings shines an intimate light on the simple joys of collaboration. The duo brings with it two lifetimes of musical experience and the awesome ability to explore, find, and cultivate personal and musical ground together. If there is an essential quality to this collection, it’s that Stein, through his compositions, arrangements, and performances, has created the environment in which he and Zinno can play in the moment while creating something of timeless beauty. As the Whaling City Sound label’s newest worthwhile collection, Wood and Strings could not be recommended more highly.
