RETURN OF THE BRECKER BROTHERS

I guess this is just us entering into World Fusion in the '90s? Or have I missed something?... With the opener, "Songs for Barry", it really is actually what I would have wanted out of ZAWINUL SYNDICATE, as I'm sure that will make sense to some. It's exotic, sure, but it's also lively and exciting (much of this album is, in comparison). The main focus here, I would say, is on Latin music, as opposed to African. These worldly sounds collide with Jazz, Funk and RnB (naturally).

As the Brecker Bros. well deserve, we have a star-studded cast of performers on this'n! Most notably featured are Mike STERN on guitar, Dennis CHAMBERS and Don ALIAS on drums and percussion, respectively, and frequent Brecker collaborator David SANBORN (he strictly on track 2, "King of the Lobby").

Speaking on the aforementioned second track, we are presented with elements common to Fusion at this time (the mid-80s through the '90s), which to my ears really have not aged well altogether. At best, it's funky and fun. At worst, these sonic choices are hokey and plastic. Even with "King of the Lobby" as a fine example, it's a mix of both weaknesses and strengths. This implementation of Jazz into Funk and RnB shouldn't surprise listeners of earlier Brecker Bros. material. As a child of the '90s myself, I'm certainly not against it (I'm at least intrigued by Jazz Rap, for instance, but also I love to see Jazz anywhere it can thrive).

"Above and Beyond" is a definite must-hear. This is a lively, (speaking as a layman) samba-type jam. An excellent performance all around. It actually struck me as a predecessor to the now-classic epic "Lingus" by SNARKY PUPPY (if by some chance you are unfamiliar with this, the viral live performance off We Like It Here is Required Listening (and viewing)).

It's not a sure-fire highlight for this release, but the beautiful "Sozinho (Alone)" is a great showcase of the Brecker Bros. as individual performers. Helluva family, that one! haha. If people don't know them by now, that would be surprising.

Highlight Tracks: T1, T2, T4, T6, 59, T11

True Rate: 3.5/5.0