Jazz Guitar Duo

Two distinguished-looking men sit on wooden chairs, angled towards each other. Each holds a stunning hollow-body guitar. They seem as though they're conversing as they trade off soloing and playing rhythm. One has a trim mustache, the other a soul patch. Both are clearly engrossed and they create intricate, smooth jazz which brightens a cold afternoon.

The scene was CJ's Café in Bronte last Sunday. The duo was 1 + 1. BH Maitland and Dr. Z were introduced by their guitar teacher, Martin Taylor. They play Latin jazz, “gypsy jazz” and sophisticated arrangements of standards.

My favourite pieces that afternoon were Reinhardt/Grappelli's Swing '42, Jobim's Girl from Ipanema and Just Friends. 1 + 1 made their melodies sound effortless. I felt a sense of movement and serenity. Like taking a vacation without travelling anywhere.

On break I spoke with Maitland and Z. Miles Davis came up. We talked about how not so long ago Davis was racially targeted and brutalized by cops outside Birdland, where he was performing. 1 + 1 does a beautiful version of All Blues. On a lighter note, Z also recalled that at one point Miles had platform shoes with built-in fishbowls.

1 + 1 sometimes takes requests. Certain numbers are harder to place as instrumentals. A couple of patrons beside me were enjoying naming tunes like Gershwin's Lady Be Good and Stella by Starlight.

1 + 1 play CJ's Café April 27th, 12-2. The Sunday after Easter. Free.