Joe Chambers & Larry Young - Double Exposure

Joe Chambers and Larry Young's Double Exposure captures two restless jazz minds in close conversation, a 1978 duo session that still sounds ahead of its time.

Chambers was already a respected drummer and composer when he cut this record for Muse in late 1977, choosing to play mostly piano. Opposite him sits Young, the organist who had pushed the Hammond B-3 into modal territory on Blue Note's Unity and into fusion with the Tony Williams Lifetime. It was made only months before Young's death in 1978, which gives it a quiet poignancy.

The first half lets Chambers lead from the keyboard, with Young's organ swelling and answering around him. "Hello to the Wind" sets a searching, open-ended mood, and "Mind Rain" drifts in hypnotic circles, its piano figure later looped by DJ Premier for Nas on "N.Y. State of Mind". Then Chambers returns to the drums, and "Message from Mars" and "Rock Pile" become thrilling organ-and-drums duels, Young riding waves of sound while Chambers pushes the beat.

It is adventurous without ever being forbidding, full of surprising textures, patient interplay and moments of genuine fire.

For organ devotees, crate diggers and anyone tracing hip-hop's jazz roots, this is a fascinating and rewarding find.