Chunks and Chairknobs

A thoroughly engaging project, Chunks and Chairknobs is a confluence of rock, pop, bossa, blues and jazz performed by two seasoned pros whose empathy and uncanny chemistry runs deep. — Bill Milkowski It’s only natural that pianist Jim Beard and guitarist Jon Herington would strike the kind of special accord heard throughout this intimate duo encounter. They’ve shared countless hours in the studio over the years playing on each other’s albums, beginning with Beard’s 1990 debut Song of the Sun and continuing through to Herington’s 2016 album Adult Entertainment. They’ve worked together as sidemen on recordings by bassist Victor Bailey, saxophonists Bill Evans and Bob Berg, drummer Dennis Chambers and brothers Michael and Randy Brecker. And they’ve shared the bandstand on tour with Steely Dan for the past several years — 20 for Herington, 11 for Beard. “There are many, many records and gigs and times of our lives,” said Herington, reflecting back on their musical partnership. “Not only that, we’ve been sharing a studio ever since we got to New York, which is probably since 1987.” At the time of this writing, Beard and Herington had just come off a three-week residency with Steely Dan at the Venetian in Las Vegas, so their Dan chops were polished to a bright sheen. But they were also basking in the after-glow of having recently recorded this superb duet album. And though guitar and piano are not generally regarded as ideal mates in a duo setting, the two kindred spirits found a way to seamlessly blend in the studio, divvying up duties on eight tunes, easily alternating roles, comping for each other while delivering melodic gems and brilliant solos along the way. As you delve into Chunks and Chairknobs, it becomes clear that their long tenure with Steely Dan has rubbed off on both Beard and Herington. Their meticulous craftsmanship and knack for sneaking complex harmonies and chords into song-driven settings is positively Dan-like. But Beard and Herington also bring something unique to the program that puts them in their own zone.