DUAL IDENTITY: STEVE LEHMAN / RUDRESH MAHANTHAPPA

Alto sax players Rudresh Mahanthappa and Steve Lehman, both spearheads of contemporary jazz, each have their own sound. The bright, dry playing of Lehman and the round, warm tone of Mahanthappa conjoin in an innovative way in Dual Identity. This year Mahanthappa won the Downbeat Critics Poll and was voted Best Alto Saxophonist of the Year by the Jazz Journalists Association as well. ‘They are a force to be reckoned with, leading a dual attack that’s often jaw dropping’ (Pitchfork).