Pianist Ehud Asherie’s previous piano recording—he also plays organ—for Posi-Tone records, Modern Life, was a memorable quartet date featuring tenor saxophonist Harry Allen. For his latest release, Upper West Side, Asherie retains the service of Allen for a more intimate duo setting, showcasing the broad scope of his classic piano jazz style.

Digging in to a set of familiar standards, the pair reaches a hard-swinging common ground early on, propelled by Asherie’s well-balanced left hand/right negotiations, expelling any desire for bass and drums. The infectious grooves created on “It Had to Be You” and the samba “O Pato,” for example, blend the pianist’s refined elegance with Allen’s sly approach, full of bounce and mischief.

A thoughtful contrast in ballad interpretation is provided with “Passion Flower” and “I’m in the Mood for Love,” while “I Want to Be Happy” and “My Blue Heaven” deliver unabashed displays of high-flying chops.

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