OUTBREAK

Further to my previous opinion on Chambers' previous release, there is very little I can add here without scratching my head really hard. The same typical American Fusion laced with Funk approach still dominates, where the Funk flavour - however dated it may be by now - is almost a welcome relief.

I thoroughly appreciate Chambers as one of the finest drummers around, but as a leader/composer/arranger he fails to excite. This work comes across as sterile but with clinical precision that no-one could fault - while few would likely to find enjoyable - let alone uplifting.

Quirky Funk reminiscent of Miles Davis "Tutu", or "Doo-Wop" period as if supported by The Brecker Brothers come to mind when I listen to this release, leaving me rather underwhelmed. (MD is gone while TBB are featured here.)

Chambers has been featured as equal part of numerous different collectives on the side of being a fantastic support artist to many big names. Those albums known to me appear far superior when compared with his releases under his own name. On his own as a leader he represents the weakest material known to me. Sadly, I can't offer this piece more than a rating of 3. Predictable, sterile and boring.

A large cast of musicians were there to help out drummer Dennis Chambers on this 2002 release. I'm not big on that album cover but the music is quite good. I counted 17 musicians including multiple bass, guitar and horn players. We get a keyboardist and a lot of electric piano thankfully. The Brecker brothers are here on horns along with TRIBAL TECH's bass player Gary Willis. John Scofield is one of the guitarists and man what a talent. There's a fair amount of Funk on here but otherwise Jazz Fusion is what I'm hearing.

It doesn't start well with "Roll Call" mainly because of the blasting horns and I'm sure it's those brothers. "Paris On Mine" is kind of jerky with horns over top. It settles back when we get a guitar solo after 2 minutes. I'm not big into the horns on "In Time". What I do like is "Otay" and there's no horns. The bass and drums are outstanding to open the song and how about the electric piano late. Also "Groovus Interrupus" while funky and with horns over top, I still like. "Plan B" is funky while "Baltimore, DC" is just one cool sounding tune. The title track is the longest by far at almost 11 minutes and quite varied. I like it.

Another impressive album as far as performances go but I have some issues with the horns at times and the style of music. 3.5 stars.