Only recently it seems I was commending the duo pairing of Hank Jones and Tommy Flanagan as a master-class in swing and invention. Now comes this new two piano encounter, culled from three sets at Dizzy's in New York. Once again the quality is top-notch. Take the 14-minute version of ‘I'll Remember April’ for starters. No ennui or clumsy stumbles, no after-you-no-after-you; these two tuck in and offer a seamless whole, each responding to the other in kind, swinging hard, ideas in harmony. Both play in an updated bop style, loving long lines and quick rhythmic turnarounds, sometimes hinting at their various influences. It's all quite exhilarating. The tempo is less frantic on ‘All The Things You Are’, the collective restraint resembling John Lewis's daintier stance. In contrast, ‘Two Bass Hit’ is a fast-fingered romp, Douglas and Jones laying down a dream “collective exuberance” a wonder to behold.

Both players get a piece to themselves. Chestnut essays the spiritual ‘Lift Ev'ry Voice And Sing’ in elegiac fashion while Reed tackles his own stompy ‘Prayer’, both treatments reflecting their respective church affinities. Thankfully, they go out in a blaze of glory on a tumultuous, impromptu blues. Now, if we had promoters with an eye on swing, this quartet of storytellers would be brought over here pronto to headline our festivals. Any takers?