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Mike Nock and Frank Gibson: Open Door

Right from the explosive first track, where Nock's left hand is effectively the entire rhythm section, pursued at every turn by Gibson's insistent hi-hat, it's clear that this is a summit meeting. It takes strong musicians to go head to head like this. Nock and Gibson are both sharp as tacks, completely up to date and onto it (and this on an album originally released almost 20 years ago). Nonpareil drummer Gibson has appeared on a myriad albums, but he shines in this kind of stripped-down exposed duo format. Nock matches Gibson's formidable technique with the adventurous, but still blues-inflected, piano that has made him our most successful jazz expatriate. Both share most of the composer credits and play as equal voices; there are almost no long solos. It's not all thunder and lightning either; there are moments of quiet beauty, and a surprising variety of texture, tempo and rhythm. Although verging on free improvisation here and there, this is essentially a jazz dialogue between two of our finest musicians, both at the top of their game. 'Open Door' won Jazz Album of the Year in 1987; this Ode Records reissue should be a sitter this time around too

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