This display of dueling pianos reveals the full spectrum of the modern piano tradition.  At one end, Willie Pickens' (pictured) strong hands show why they were an irresistible inspiration to one of the world's greatest drummers, Elvin Jones.  In contrast to Pickens' emphatic style and complex melodies are the lighter, more modern tones adopted by Ron Perrillo.  His approach pulls from popular music and demonstrates the movement forward into a new era of jazz.  The concert features Willie Pickens (piano); Donald Harrison (saxophones); Ronald John Perrillo Jr. (composer, piano, sound-design); Kobie Watkins (drums); Edwin Bayard (saxophones); Pat Mallinger (Native American Flute); Pharez Whitted (trumpet, flugelhorn); Tom Garling (trombone); and Dennis Carroll (contrabass, electric bass).