OUT OF THE LOOP

"Slang" starts the album off very strong. Cool, yet forward-driving jam, complete with a beautiful horn solo from Randy. The album feels a lot more "straight" compared to the last, Return of the Brecker Brothers, which had a heavy Latin slant. The overall straightness continues on the cool, reflective "Evocations". Not a whole lot of excitement here. "Scrunch" then follows it and it also ain't a whole lot to write home about... Straight-playin' Brecker Bros. unsurprisingly means more of a Smooth Jazz thing, so not for me. You'll hear this un-Fusion on other tracks like "Secret Heart" (at least sort of classic), "African Skies" (but strong soloing from Michael and some more interest than most tracks) and "The Nightwalker" (also kinda classic).

"When It Was" is that modernized Jazz thing which I just... don't love. It's like jazzy R&B. Good on paper, some strong moments here and there, but overall I'll sit this out.

More exotic moments can be expected on "Harpoon", hearkening back to Return. More interesting rhythmically and melodically than most on the album. Definitely a highlight.

But that's about it. A lot of "just alright" in this one. I'm rounding up to a 3... Full transparency, I guess.