Jazz musicians are supposed to inspire one another, but the interplay between pianist Jeff Barnhart and reed master Noel Kaletsky is breathtaking. They swap solos, increasing the tempo and turning up the intensity with each chorus, yet they play as if they are one person, with no competitive discord between them.

Two of New England's top jazz musicians, versatile reed player Noel Kaletsky and dynamic pianist Jeff Barnhart, have been teamed for a rare NJ appearance. It is on Friday evening, September 10, as part of the acclaimed Jazz Series of the Watchung Arts Center. Tickets to the 8 PM concert are only $12, including intermission refreshments.

Worshiped as a demi-god in his native Connecticut, Noel Kaletsky has so many fans that he must play in several bands to satisfy the demand. At a recent jazz festival, he was featured in fully 3/4 of the musical sets, barely giving him time to get from one stage to another. No New England festival is complete without his participation. He plays clarinet and various saxophones from soprano to tenor, but always with style and passion.

Connecticut's Jeff Barnhart travels over 100,000 miles per year to meet the demand for his piano work. His hundreds of gigs annually include everything from solos to band dates. He's been artist-in-residence with the Scott Joplin International Ragtime Foundation, and does a lot of playing aimed at introducing children to ragtime and jazz piano, creating future audiences.

Neither is a stranger to the decade-old Watchung Jazz Series. Noel Kaletsky thrilled a discerning audience with a Sidney Bechet tribute last year, and Jeff Barnhart was part of the concert that drew the largest turnout ever for a piano event.

The two have worked together in New England, but have never taken their stunning duet into this region.

The Watchung Arts Center's Gallery is an intimate space that has hosted well over 200 jazz evenings in recent years. Reservations for the limited seating can be made by calling (908) 753-0190, leaving a message on the voice mail if the office is not open. Tickets are held for pickup and payment at the door.