listening to Billy Ward’s “Two Hands Clapping” right now makes me write this entry. it’s not easy to describe this album and i hope Billy forgives me if i’m babbling around…
first of all, Billy Ward is a session drummer from New York – he played with Joan Osborne, Bill Champlin, The Knack, B.B. King and many others. you can find out about him on his website. there’s a discussion forum with a bunch of very nice people, mostly drummers, but still an interesting place…
the album was recorded in 1998 and produced by himself. it’s in HDCD-format, meaning you can play it in every cd-player but if you happen to have an HDCD-player you get more depth.
interesting about the record is the way the 10 songs were played. All are live-duets without any rehearsals or overdubs – this is all real. And the musicians among us know what that means… i’m not going into describing each track because i don’t want to spoil anything. the guests are: Joy Askew, Jim Beard, Bill Champlin, John Patitucci, Glen Phillips and Chris Whitley. So here is a true listening experience, a collection of moments in which great musician did what every musician should do: just play!
this album is a one-of-a-kind-thing, check it out here

p.s. although i’m proud to call Billy a dear friend, i’m not getting paid for this ad-like entry nor am i getting threatened in any way… it truly is one of the best albums i’ve ever heard.