CD: Rudresh Mahanthappa & Bunky Green

[image error]Rudresh Mahanthappa & Bunky Green, Apex (Pi). Mahanthappa, aged 40, is one of the most visible alto saxophonists of the 21st century; Green, aged 75 one of the least. As a result of this album, Green is gaining the prominence he might have achieved in the 1960s had he not left Charles Mingus for academia. Among the saxophonists he influenced through recordings was Mahanthappa. Together, they are formidable kindred spirits. Throughout, but notably on "Summit" and "Playing with Stones," their singleness of purpose, interplay and energy are remarkable. Pianist Jason Moran, bassist Francis Moutin, and drummers Jack DeJohnette (four tracks) and Damion Reid (six tracks) abet this inspired pairing.