Emil Berliner Studios

“The Lost Tapes” brings us previously unreleased tapes of the great Russian virtuoso performing “live” in his prime This is a very special release. No, it’s not an “audiophile” release as such, but the sound is thoroughly acceptable and engaging for an historic “live” taping. It fully conveys everything it needs to convey about this musically stunning performance.

A pair of avant-gardists play duets to calm and startle you If you’re looking for 35 minutes of riveting calm, this is the album for you. And if “riveting calm” strikes you as oxymoronic, well, the album fits that in several ways. It consists of duets between trumpeter Wadada Leo Smith and pianist Amina Claudine Myers, both 82 years old but as youthful in spirit as anyone around.