Milwaukee-born, Israeli resident pianist Judy Lewis is classically trained (she performed with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra at seventeen), but turned to jazz just under a decade ago, since when she has established herself as a star attraction on the international jazz circuit. It's easy to see why; "Two on the Horizon" sets her alternately rythmically robust and filigree-delicate piano against one of the most attractive, dexterous, delicate guitar sounds you're likely to hear, that of the teenaged Orr Didi, whose playing may remind UK listeners of that of Antonio Forcione. Although undeniably virtuosic, the playing on this attractive, immediately accessible album is also spontaneously joyous and celebratory, the duo striking musical sparks off each other whether they're rollicking through the vigorous pieces or producing more meditative music (REM's 'Everybody Hurts', the album's only non-original, a perfect example of the latter). Including bonus video footage, playable on Mac or PC, this album, with its influences ranging from Bach to progressive rock, should be accessible not only to jazz listeners, but to anyone moved by the lively musical interplay of like-minded souls.

Chris Parker
(*Chris Parker is a freelance Jazz critic for numerous UK Jazz publications including BBC Music Magazine and Jazz Review)