by Scott Yanow
The title of this CD is accurate, as this live date -- recorded at Washington D.C.'s Adam's Rib on April 27, 1984 (but not released for the first time until 21 years later) -- is full of explosive fire. The legendary Danny Gatton and Tom Principato had complementary guitar styles, open to jazz, electric blues, and country. With stimulating backup from keyboardist Mike Sucher (who often achieves the sound of an organ), bassist John Previti, and drummer Robbie Magruder, the two guitarists dig into blues, passionate pop/rock, and even "Harlem Nocturne" (a feature for Gatton), all of it having the spirit of adventurous jazz. While Principato has four vocals along the way, the emphasis is very much on the guitarists, who are at their best when they are interacting with each other. This is consistently exciting music.