“WINTER SOLSTICE.” David Lanz and Michael Jones,...

“WINTER SOLSTICE.” David Lanz and Michael Jones, pianos. Narada Records, LP-1008. Had Claude Debussy been caught improvising upon Christmas carols and Pachelbel’s Canon in D, the result might have been much like the solos in this warm and pleasant album. Lanz and Jones are both thoughtful improvisers and sensitive performers. They never lean on or exaggerate the trivial. Their melodies move forward with daring and charm, and they possess an astonishing ear.