Debbie Duncan and Carole Martin © Pamela Espeland

Backed soundly and solidly by Phil Aaron on piano, Jay Young on bass, and Kenny Horst at home behind his own drums in his own comfortable, hospitable club, the two great vocalists sang a program of standards—in Debbie’s words, “songs we didn’t write.” Some had been recorded by each of them on her own CDs: “I Concentrate on You,” “Don’t Misunderstand,” “Little Girl Blue.” Some they sang solo—among others, Debbie chose “Come Fly with Me” and “I Didn’t Know What Time,” Carole “Going Back to Joe’s” and “Come Rain or Come Shine.”

Debbie Duncan and Carole Martin © Don Berryman

Carole told us between sets that she and Debbie didn’t know in advance what to expect or what would happen. I confess—me neither. I had heard each separately several times, and I couldn’t wrap my head around what the two of them might sound like together. I expected excellence—both women are consummate professionals with a passion for their art who have mastered their craft—but I and everyone else at the AQ got more than that: one of those nights we’ll talk about in years to come as having been remarkable and truly special.

Debbie Duncan and Carole Martin © Pamela Espeland

Debbie and Carole have never performed together before; they have never recorded together. If the stars align, that may change, but for now, the only way to hear these remarkable singers in the same place at the same moment is to catch the Saturday set at the Artists’ Quarter on March 31. I hope you’re reading this in time to do that. Nine p.m., ten bucks. Go.

Click here to read Andrea Canter’s preview of this rare and wonderful weekend and learn more about Debbie Duncan and Carole Martin.