Next in his series of ‘Two Duos’ recordings, New York City based Jazz pianist and composer Randy Klein engages in musical conversation with Alex Skolnick on their new single, ‘Casa China Live’ out on Jazzhead Music Group on 20th August, following the success of their previous recording ‘Exalted Kingdom Live’.
Titled after a famous Chinese/Spanish restaurant in New York City, ‘Casa China’ was recorded on a live sound stage in order to recreate the spontaneity that occurs during a live performance. The tight unisons between piano and guitar on the challenging number display a high degree of listening that takes place in these intimate sessions. Alex Skolnick, heavy metal turned jazz guitarist (of Testament and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra), offers shimmering arpeggios and playful call-and-response with a dazzling solo.
Klein has high praise for his duet partner: “Alex was introduced to me by a radio promoter and when we got together one afternoon and played the first time, we immediately connected and knew that we would enjoy improvising together. I chose tunes that I had a feeling would make him shine on his guitar, and it just went down really easily in the studio.”
President of independent music label Jazzheads Music Group, Randy Klein’s jazz composition project ‘Two Duos’ received rave reviews for the releases of the CD ‘Sunday Morning’ (2010), featuring trombonist Chris Washburne and Russian saxophonist Oleg Kireyev performing with Randy Klein on piano. The duos are sensitive duets designed to feature each of these esteemed soloists. Composed specifically for each performer, the project continues to expand to include other great improvising soloists.
The second Two Duos release titled, ‘What’s Next?’ (2012), features Grammy winning bassist, Boris Kozlov and rock/jazz guitarist, Alex Skolnick, also with excellent reviews. He has performed at venues such as Birdland, Klavierhaus, Trumpets, and the historic Union of Composers Club (Moscow). Randy’s music has also been featured at many Jazz and music educational conventions in Chicago, New Orleans, New York and at the Berklee Performance Center.
“Klein’s note selection and soloing is a combination of Bill Evans and Ahmad Jamal. He plays nice full chords underneath thoughtful single lines that flow effectively through the changes” – Guitar International
“Skolnick absorbs the subtlety of the pianist’s music and proves himself to be a good listener, complementing Klein’s work with thoughtful solos and accompaniment”
– All Music Guide
