ENTROPY (BRUCE FOWLER)

Of all the Fowler brothers, trombonist Bruce may be the most talented. Aside from the many Zappa albums he has appeared on, I have seen and heard him with many other jazz groups, and he always plays spectacularly.

This album, under Bruce's name, has essentially the same musicians as most of the Fowler's albums: four of the five brothers, Bruce (of course), Tom, Walt, and Steve (Ed must have been busy), along with fellow Zappa alumni Albert Wing, Kurt McGettrick and Chester Thompson, plus a few other guests.

The music, while mostly big band be-bop, does have some hints fusion as well. While using acoustic instruments, the music is innovative enough to please this fusion fanatic. The opener, Canon De Chelly has a sound that reminds me of some of Michael Mantler or Carla Bley's pieces. The Rat, with some funny vocals spoken by Bruce, is a quirky lumbering piece, driven by brother Tom's cool acoustic bass. Bullin' is another high point, a rousing large ensemble piece. All the songs have fantastic solos, mostly Bruce's trombone, but Walt's trumpet adds some highlights as well.

Special mention needs to be made for a cover of Miles Davis' Seven Steps To Heaven, where Bruce replaces Miles' trumpet with some burning trombone licks.