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Randy Brecker’s last release ( Hangin’ in the City ) was one strange puppy, a handful of
serviceable tunes wound tightly around the convoluted perversion of “Randroid,” the trumpeter’s
streetwise cabbie alter-ego. Brecker wisely got back to the groove this time around, leaving this
disc’s few vocals to more capable hands. The result is a highly entertaining album showcasing his
strong suits of trumpet playing and composition, yet still maintaining a 21st century sensibility.
The ensembles range from quartet to octet in size, all sounding much more than their sum thanks to
Brecker’s arranging skills. His trumpet and flügelhorn are the centerpieces most of the time, with
outstanding contributions from brother Michael, bassist Chris Minh Doky, Ronnie Cuber, David
Sanborn, Fred Wesley and other compadres. The leader must be one of the hippest white guys in
the business, having nailed various aspects of black popular music down pat. Hip-hop beats color
“All 4 Love” without sounding generic; a muted Brecker recalls Miles around the time of Star
People, while J Phoenix’s layered vocals bring a more fashionable vibe. Makeeba Mooncycle
paints vocal accents and scattered words onto the canvas of “Streeange,” giving the impression, if
nothing else, of a mere phone call in the background.
Less stereotypical urban sounds are also explored. The intro to “Foregone Conclusion” briefly
recalls “Somewhere Out There” but blessedly moves into more appealing territory. “Tokyo Freddie”
is a breakneck slice of neo-bop; “The Fisherman” leans close to Weather Report; heavy percussion
and George Whitty’s electric piano contribute to the intense urgency of “Hula Dula.” These rank
among Brecker’s best compositions and will hopefully stay in his repertoire for some time.
Low points: the rather uninteresting “Give It Up,” which would fare better were it not imbedded
among so many stronger compositions, and the general sense of sameness among the many minor
keys and dark moods. High marks to Adam Rogers’ cookin’ guitar on “Shanghigh,” Ronnie Cuber
on the title track, and the whole bloody band for negotiating the difficult rhythms of “Let It Go.” One of
Brecker’s best releases in a career full of hills and valleys; bravo for a successful evaluation of the
state of jazz today.
Visit ESC Records on the web.
~ Todd S. Jenkins
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Track Listing: 34th N Lex; Streeange; Shanghigh; All 4 Love; Let It Go; Foregone Conclusion; Hula Dula; The
Fisherman; Give It Up; Tokyo Freddie; The Castle Rocks.
Personnel: (Collective:) Randy Brecker, trumpet, flügelhorn; Michael Brecker, Ada Rovatti, tenor sax; David
Sanborn, alto sax; Ronnie Cuber, baritone sax; Fred Wesley, Michael Davis, trombone; Adam
Rogers, Chris Taylor, guitar; Chris Minh Doky, bass; Gary Haase, bass, programming; George
Whitty, keyboards, programming; Clarence Penn, drums; Zach Danziger, drum programming;
Makeeba Mooncycle, J Phoenix, vocals.
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