Record Archive's Dick "The Dancing Record" Storms and I were sparring over semantics at Java's a couple of Saturday mornings ago. I was bemoaning the fact that the use of the word "delightful" as an adjective describing music was on the decline. I thought it offered a lilting, good-natured joy where other words fell short. Dick said "delightful was only a momentary lapse in pain." But after seeing Mulgrew Miller and Johnny O'Neal go head to head on two pianos at the Hyatt Regency Friday night, it's safe to say we're both right.

It was beautifully apparent that these cats both lean on Oscar Peterson when they cascade from one side of the keyboard to the other. The set they played (along with drummer Rodney Green and bassist Ivan Taylor) was completely off the cuff, with each taking turns to lead off, with only a few shrugs or winks as cues. Both pianists are vets of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, so it was appropriate when they played "Duck Soup" and "Confirmation." But it was genius when they played them at the same time in a 176-key mash up. It was a momentary lapse in pain, and goddammit, it was delightful too.

Shifting from delight to ballsy brass might, I caught the Po' Boys Brass Band CD release extravaganza at High Fidelity. The band assailed like a fleet of funky bulldozers. The band's slick synchronicity and style overshadows the novelty of being a horn-dominated rock band. I give this band a year before it's huge. No doubt about it.

Joe Brucato also celebrated the release of his new album at High Fidelity as it rained hammers and nails outside. Joe's dad, Chuck, shared the stage in the backup vocal slot. Chuck Brucato is Rochester rock 'n' roll royalty. His band The Rustix was the first white band to be signed to Motown Records in 1969. Before the second set, Joe worked the room like the father of the bride, stopping to greet everybody one on one. On stage his band rocked solid. If you've ever heard this guy, you know Joe's voice is incredible; just the right amount of grit and tone, truth, and heartache. You might even say it's delightful.