The goal of a duo is to sound like an entire band, full and complete. This attempt by Russ Bryant on tenor saxophone and Gino Giles on guitars, was admirable but the absence of that third point, the percussion, makes the album lose its foundation.

“Georgia” is wonderful because it fits the parameters of the musicians. They’re not trying to cover people that aren’t there. When they play with these limitations in mind, as in “Wondering,” the sound turns out all right. “Take the A Train,” although a nice rendition, needs that third piece, percussion. “Wave” is a very liquid tune and the duo succeeds with mood music which does not always call for that solid rhythm.

On “Road Song,” they reach for percussion with the side of the guitar, but it seems inconsequential. A pity because the playing is actually rather good. For example, on “Black Coffee,” Bryant is awesome, but because there’s no percussion, he can’t move out, and the listener knows he wants to do much more.

The Bryant/ Giles Duo, from Baton Rouge, play well as individuals. But these musicians should not be in a duo, these guys need to be in a trio. While their cool sound is refreshing, the occasional melody of a piano, smack and lick of a set of drums, or even a light conga or bongo, would make all the difference.