DON GROLNICK — Weaver of Dreams (1990) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Don Grolnick was a busy session pianist/keyboardist who played on many kinds of dates, including jazz fusion and pop. But for a brief period in the late 1980s and early '90s, he detoured into playing post-bop. Weaver of Dreams was the first of his two CDs for Blue Note, featuring an all-star septet including the Brecker Brothers, Bob Mintzer, Dave Holland, Peter Erskine, and Barry Rogers. His intricate opener, "Nothing Personal," suggests the influence of George Russell, with its rapid-fire lines and unpredictable accents on trumpet and bass clarinet, along with the composer's tasty solo. There's a bit of reverb added to the unified trumpet and tenor sax in his "Or Come Fog," which touches briefly on its source, "Come Rain or Come Shine." Mintzer's wild bass clarinet is a highlight of the brisk setting of the standard "I Want to Be Happy," while the foot-patting treatment of "Weaver of Dreams" is a feature for the rhythm section alone. Weaver of Dreams lapsed from print, only to briefly reappear in a short-lived two-CD reissue. This is easily the finest recording led by Don Grolnick, who passed away in 1996. Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
1 Nothing Personal  5:44
Don Grolnick
2 Taglioni  8:41
Don Grolnick
3 A Weaver of Dreams  4:40
Jack Elliott / Victor Young
4 His Majesty the Bady  6:47
Don Grolnick
5 I Want to Be Happy  5:45
Irving Caesar / Vincent Youmans
6 Persimmons  6:54
Don Grolnick
7 Or Come Fog  5:23
Don Grolnick
8 Five Bars  7:20
Don Grolnick
Credits :
Bass – Dave Holland
Bass Clarinet – Bob Mintzer
Drums – Peter Erskine
Piano, Producer, Arranged By – Don Grolnick
Tenor Saxophone – Michael Brecker
Trombone – Barry Rogers
Trumpet – Randy Brecker

JOHN TROPEA — Tropea (1975) Two Version (1996, Fusion Super 1800 Series) + (2014, RM | Blu-spec CD | FLAC (image+tracks+.cue), lossless

By the time guitarist John Tropea had recorded his solo debut on the tiny Marlin imprint in 1976, he had been a session guitarist for nearly a decade. His understated, decidedly non-show-off playing graced records by everyone from Laura Nyro to Deodato (including Prelude and Deodato 2), from Ashford & Simpson to Bo Diddley, from Billy Cobham to Peter Allen, from Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway to Paul Simon, Van Morrison, Luiz Bonfá, and Ray Bryant. After this he played with everyone from Alice Cooper to Lalo Schifrin and Kurtis Blow and way, way beyond. Tropea's cast of studio players is a who's who of the '70s, '80s, and '90s. The core band on this funky, squeaky clean, keyboard, horn, and guitar driven set are bassist Will Lee, keyboardist Don Grolnick, percussionist Rubens Bassini, and drummers Steve Gadd and Rick Marotta -- one in each channel. Some of the guest appearances are stellar: David Sanborn's trademark emotionally rich saxophone is heard on "Muff," and Bob Mintzer's wonderful flute playing on his "Cisco Disco" (which is truly funk and not disco), and Deodato plays keyboards on the beautiful "Dreams." There is a heavyweight reed section with Mintzer, Sanborn, and Michael Brecker among its members and horns that include Randy Brecker, Sam Burtis, and Dave Taylor, to name a few. Yes, this was the 1970s: there are strings with Gene Orloff among them. The tunes? Hip, funky numbers like "Tambourine," with a restrained but toothy fuzz solo by Tropea, great congas by Bassini, and a well balanced but dynamic horn chart. "7th Heaven" is a smoother workout, with punchy actual and keyboard basslines, with great breakbeat work by both drummers. Despite its mid-tempo jaunt, the thing is deep with enough of an uptown soul chorus to make it a popular stepper with the club crowd. It's tunes like these, as well as Mintzer's and Tropea's "The Jingle," that place records like this more on the CTI side of things than in the hardcore Fuzak realm. These selections are songs, not collections of riffs, vamps, and solos. When solos occur in these tunes, they do so with respect to arrangement and groove. It also sounds more lifelike than a lot of what was coming out of L.A. at the time, because it has a decidedly East Coast sensibility. Tropea's production job is expert and tight, but it's his arrangements and orchestrations that are really impressive. The opportunities for excess here with all these superchopper players are many, but not once does any of this album lapse into mere glossy show and sheen. This is one of the truly great forgotten jazz-funk sets of the '70s.
-> This comment is posted on Allmusic by Thom Jurek, follower of our blog 'O Púbis da Rosa' <-
Tracklist :
 1.  Tambourine - 4:40
Arranged By, Orchestrated By – John Tropea

Bass Guitar – Will Lee
Drums [Left Drums] – Rick Marotta
Drums [Right Drums] – Stephen Gadd
Guitar [Guitars] – Tropea
Keyboards – Don Grolnick
Percussion – Rubens Bassini
Written-By – J. Tropea
2. 7th Heaven - 4:13
Bass Guitar – Will Lee
Drums [Left Drums] – Rick Marotta
Drums [Right Drums] – Stephen Gadd
Guitar [Guitars] – John Tropea
Keyboards, Arranged By, Orchestrated By – Don Grolnick
Percussion – Rubens Bassini
Written-By – Don Grolnick
3. The Jingle - 4:39
Arranged By, Orchestrated By – John Tropea
Bass Guitar – Don Payne
Contrabass [Matracca] – C. Conrad
Drums – Alan Schwartzberg
Guitar [Guitars] – John Tropea
Keyboards – Kenny Ascher
Percussion – Nick Remo, Ron Tropea, Rubens Bassini
Written-By – John Tropea
4. Just Blue - 8:17
Alto Saxophone, Soloist – George Young
Arranged By, Orchestrated By – John Tropea
Bass Guitar – Will Lee
Drums [Left Drums] – Rick Marotta
Drums [Right Drums] – Stephen Gadd
Guitar [Guitars] – John Tropea
Keyboards – Don Grolnick
Written-By – John Tropea
5. Muff - 5:59
Arranged By – R. Marotta, W. Lee
Arranged By, Orchestrated By – John Tropea
Bass Guitar – Will Lee
Drums [Left Drums] – Rick Marotta
Drums [Right Drums] – Stephen Gadd
Keyboards – Don Grolnick
Percussion – Rubens Bassini
Saxophone, Soloist – Dave Sanborn
Written-By – Marotta, Lee
Written-By, Guitar [Guitars] – John Tropea
6. Cisco Disco (Bob Mintzer) - 4:35
Arranged By, Orchestrated By – John Tropea
Bass Guitar – Will Lee
Drums [Left Drums] – Rick Marotta
Drums [Right Drums] – Stephen Gadd
Flute [Flutes] – Bob Mintzer
Guitar [Guitars] – John Tropea
Keyboards – Don Grolnick
Percussion – Rubens Bassini
Written-By – Bob Mintzer
7. Tha Bratt (David Spinozza) - 5:07
Arranged By, Orchestrated By – John Tropea
Bass Guitar – Will Lee
Drums [Left Drums] – Rick Marotta
Drums [Right Drums] – Stephen Gadd
Keyboards – Don Grolnick
Lead Guitar – John Tropea
Rhythm Guitar, Arranged By, Orchestrated By – David Spinozza
Written-By – David Spinozza
8. Dreams - 4:46
Bass – Richard Davis
Drums – Rick Marotta
Keyboards, Arranged By, Orchestrated By – Eumir Deodato
Percussion – Rubens Bassini
Trombone, Soloist – Sam Burtis
Written-By, Guitar [Guitars] – John Tropea

RON CARTER — Yellow And Green (1976-1987) RM | Serie The Original CTI Recordings Digitally Remastered For Compact Disc | APE (image+.cue), lossless

A low point for bassist Ron Carter, this aimless set suffers from the malaise that hit the jazz scene after the fusion boom of the late '60s and early '70s. Somewhere about the time of this 1976 release, fusion's creative energies were being overtaken by a new drive to blend jazz with pop music. The theory was this would expand the jazz audience. The reality was music that only alienated jazz fans and held limited appeal to pop audiences. Yellow and Green is a representative product of this era. For the most part, it's a hollow, pointless exercise, afflicted by the stylistic tug of war inherent in the jazz-pop hybrids of the late '70s. The writing is directionless and the playing mainly indifferent. The LP chiefly serves as a showcase for Carter's overdubbed piccolo and acoustic basses. Unfortunately, the performances are too often a clutter of busy fingers, with the bassist's overly enthusiastic virtuosity getting in the way of any chance for musical dialogue between his instruments. Not surprisingly, the best tracks -- the respectable ballad "Opus 1.5" and a jaunty version of Thelonious Monk's "Epistrophy" -- are the most straight-ahead, done without overdubbing and with some decent piano from Kenny Barron. Elsewhere, Don Grolnick chimes blandly on electric piano and Hugh McCracken contributes wispy guitar accompaniment that serves no purpose, while drummer Billy Cobham tries to keep from being overwhelmed by the dullness of it all. An episode best forgotten. Jim Todd
Tracklist :
1    Tenaj 7:44
Composed By – Ron Carter
2    Receipt, Please 7:05
Composed By – Ron Carter
3    Willow Weep For Me 2:39
Composed By – Ann Ronell
4    Yellow & Green 6:13
Composed By – Ron Carter
Electric Bass – Ron Carter
Harmonica – Hugh McCracken
5    Opus 1.5 6:54
Composed By – Ron Carter
6    Epistrophy 6:08
Composed By – Kenny Clarke, Thelonious Monk
Drums – Ben Riley
– BONUS TRACK – (Alternate Takes)    
7    Receipt, Please 5:25
Composed By – R. Carter
8    Yellow & Green 5:03
Composed By – R. Carter
Credits :
Acoustic Bass – Ron Carter (tracks: 1, 2, 4 to 8)
Arranged By – Ron Carter
Bass [Piccolo Bass] – Ron Carter (tracks: 2 to 4)
Cowbell, Tambourine – Ron Carter (tracks: 2, 4)
Drums – Billy Cobham (tracks: 1, 2, 4, 5), Steve Gadd (tracks: 7, 8)
Electric Piano – Don Grolnick (tracks: 2, 4), Richard Tee (tracks: 7, 8)
Engineer – Rudy Van Gelder
Flute – Hubert Laws (tracks: 7, 8)
Guitar – Eric Gale (tracks: 7, 8), Hugh McCracken (tracks: 1, 2, 4, 5)
Percussion – Arthur Jenkins (tracks: 7, 8), Dom Um Romao (tracks: 2, 5), George Devens (tracks: 7, 8), Ralph MacDonald (tracks: 7, 8)
Piano – Don Grolnick (tracks: 2), Kenny Barron (tracks: 1, 5, 6)
Producer – Creed Taylor
Saxophone – Dave Sanborn (tracks: 7, 8), Mike Brecker (tracks: 7, 8), Phil Woods (tracks: 7, 8)
Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Alan Rubin (tracks: 7, 8), Randy Brecker (tracks: 7, 8)

ART FARMER WITH JOE HENDERSON - Yama (1979-2017) RM | CTI 50th Anniversary | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Flugelhornist Art Farmer's fourth and final LP for CTI also features tenor-saxophonist Joe Henderson. The material (which includes originals by Clare Fischer, Joe Zawinul, Don Grolnick and Mike Mainieri) is not the most memorable and the funky rhythm section (which is greatly expanded) does not really blend all that well with the styles of Farmer and Henderson so this set is not as exciting as one might hope. A decent but largely forgettable effort. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Dulzura 4'10
Joe Henderson
2    Stop (Think Again) 6'48
Composed By – Barry, Robin & Maurice Gibb
3     Young and Fine 6'44
Joe Zawinul
4     Lotus Blossom 8'23
Don Grolnick
5     Blue Montreux 6'58
Mike Mainieri
Credits :
Arranged By, Producer [Associate], Synthesizer, Vibraphone – Mike Mainieri
Bass – Eddie Gomez
Drums – Steve Gadd
Electric Bass – Will Lee
Flugelhorn – Art Farmer
Guitar – David Spinozza, John Tropea
Keyboards – Don Grolnick, Fred Hersch, Warren Bernhardt
Mastered By – Rudy Van Gelder
Percussion – Sammy Figueroa
Producer – Creed Taylor
Synthesizer [Programming] – Suzanne Ciani
Tenor Saxophone – Joe Henderson

HUBERT LAWS - The Chicago Theme (1974-2017) CTI+RVG / UHQ / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Hubert Laws made his finest recordings playing arrangements by Don Sebesky. Unfortunately, starting with this project, Bob James began to take over the writing chores, and the flutist's recordings became much more commercial. Rather than performing with a small group, as he did on his best sessions, Laws is joined by strings and funky rhythm sections playing now-dated commercial grooves. The six selections (which include James' forgettable "Chicago Theme," "Midnight at the Oasis" and Dvorák's "Going Home") are listenable, but nothing special. The only reason to acquire this out of print LP is for Laws' still-superb flute playing. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    The Chicago Theme 5:37
Alto Saxophone [Solo] – David Sanborn
Arranged By – Bob James
Bass – Doug Bascomb
Guitar – Joe Beck, Phil Upchurch
Written-By – Bob James
2    Midnight At The Oasis 5:28
Arranged By – Bob James
Bass – Doug Bascomb
Guitar [Solo] – George Benson
Written-By – David Nichtern
3    You Make Me Feel Brand New 5:50
Arranged By – Bob James
Bass – Ron Carter
Guitar [Solo] – Eric Gale
Written-By – Linda Creed, Thom Bell
4    Going Home 5:04
Adapted, Arranged By – Bob James
Bass – Ron Carter
Guitar – Richie Resnicoff
Written-By – Dvorak
5    I Had A Dream 6:00
Arranged By – Hubert Laws
Bass – Doug Bascomb
Clavinet – Bob James
Piano [Solo] – Bob James
Written-By – Hubert Laws
6    Inflation Chaser 6:00
Arranged By – Hubert Laws
Bass – Stanley Clarke
Drums – Andrew Smith
Tenor Saxophone [Solo] – Mike Brecker
Written-By – Hubert Laws
Credits :
Cello – Alan Shulman, George Ricci
Drums – Steve Gadd
Flute – Hubert Laws
Keyboards – Don Grolnick
Percussion – Ralph MacDonald
Producer, Reissue Producer – Creed Taylor
Recorded By, Mixed By, Remastered by – Rudy Van Gelder
Trumpet – Randy Brecker
Viola – Al Brown, Manny Vardi
Violin – Charles Libove, David Nadien, Emanuel Green, Gayle Dixon, Harold Kohon, Harry Cykman, Harry Lookofsky, Matthew Raimondi, Max Ellen, Paul Gershman

BOB MINTZER & THE HORN MAN BAND - Papa Lips (1983) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Recorded in 1983 and previously only released in Japan on Cheetah, Papa Lips is Bob Mintzer's third album as a leader. A step ahead of the rather sterile production of his previous album for the label Source (both are now available in the U.S. on CD courtesy of the Elore Records imprint), Papa Lips features a stellar band playing a program comprised almost entirely of Mintzer tunes, the lone exception is the standard "I Hear a Rhapsody." The band here is stellar and includes in various places Michael and Randy Brecker, Lew Soloff, Don Grolnick, David Sanborn, Will Lee, Peter Erskine and Marvin Stamm, among others. The material is more Latin in flavor, and the arrangements are less funk-oriented than its predecessor's. The sound is still quite slick, but the material is stronger and there are no vocal performances this time out. The remarkable thing here is that the Michael and Randy Brecker and David Sanborn were not particularly well known as big band players at this time, but their execution of these often complex charts is remarkable -- check the title cut that opens the set with a fine Randy Brecker solo; it's knotty and multi-textured with colors coming from all over the tonal spectrum. "Lazy Day," a gospel flavored soul tune for big band is reminiscent of Thad Jones' and Mel Lewis' orchestra, with fine solo s from Mintzer on tenor and Grolnick on piano. Other standouts include "Latin Dance," with a great Sanborn flight on alto, and the remake of "Mr. Fonebone." It appeared on Source as well, but is much faster and more aggressive here, and Lee is less busy than Jaco Pastorius was. "I Hear a Rhapsody" contains an excellent, deeply emotional solo by Michael Brecker, though the tune itself is a bit flowery for this recording. In sum, however, Papa Lips is a fine record; it is still slick -- but that's how they made jazz records in the '80s -- but it's sheer musicality, muscle, and sophistication make it an excellent listen. 

(This comment is posted on allmusic by Thom Jurek, follower our blog O Púbis da Rosa)
Tracklist
1 Papa Lips 6:33
2 Lazy Day 9:30
Bob Mintzer
3 I Hear a Rhapsody 4:13
Dick Gasparre
4 Latin Dance 7:59
5 Truth 7:18
6 Mr Fonebone 6:42
Credits
Alto Saxophone, Flute – Pete Yellin
Arranged By, Tenor Saxophone, Flute, Piccolo Flute, Clarinet – Bob Mintzer
Baritone Saxophone, Flute – Roger Rosenberg
Bass – Tom Barney (tracks: 2, 4, 6), Will Lee (tracks: 1, 3, 5) 
Bass Trombone – Dave Taylor (tracks: 1, 2, 4, 6), George Moran (tracks: 3, 5) 
Congas – Frankie Malabe (tracks: 1, 4) 
Drums – Peter Erskine
Flute – Carla Poole (tracks: 6) 
Piano – Don Grolnick
Soprano Saxophone, Alto Saxophone – David Sanborn
Tenor Saxophone, Flute – Michael Brecker
Tenor Saxophone, Flute, Piccolo Flute – Lawrence Feldman
Trombone – Dave Bargeron, Keith O'Quinn
Trumpet – Laurie Frink, Lew Soloff, Marvin Stamm, Randy Brecker
Written-By – Bob Mintzer

BOB MINTZER - Spectrum (1988) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Included is an all-star lineup of R. Brecker, Peter Erskine, D. Grolnick, B. Malach, L. Gaines, and 14 other players. This is big-band jazz at its finest. The recording was made live to two-track digital, and the music, exceptional from start to finish, deserves it.  by Paul Kohler
Tracklist  
1 Like A Child 4:47
2 Spectrum 4:48
3 My Romance 6:20
Written-By – Rodgers & Hart
4 Hanky-Panky 3:18
5 Mr. Funk 6:00
6 Mine Is Yours 5:03
7 Frankie's Tune 7:04
8 The Reunion 5:11
9 Heart Of The Matter 8:45
10 I Hear A Rhapsody 5:46
11 Solo Saxophone 1:34
12 Cowboys And Indians 5:45
Credits
Alto Saxophone – Lawrence Feldman, Peter Yellin
Arranged By, Producer, Edited By, Tenor Saxophone – Bob Mintzer
Baritone Saxophone – Roger Rosenberg
Bass – Lincoln Goines
Congas – Frankie Malabe
Drums – John Riley (tracks: 1, 6), Peter Erskine
Piano – Don Grolnick, Phil Markowitz (tracks: 8, 10)
Tenor Saxophone – Bob Malach
Trombone – Bob Smith, Dave Bargeron, Dave Taylor, Keith O'Quinn
Trumpet – Laurie Frink, Marvin Stamm, Randy Brecker, Bob Millikan
Written-By – Bob Mintzer (tracks: 1, 2, 4 to 12)

 

BILLY COBHAM - Inner Conflicts (1977-2014) Fusion Best Collection 1000 – 4 / RM / FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

A solid effort that has been dismissed based upon its associations with two Cobham lemons, Simplicity of Expression: Depth of Thought and B.C., all recorded around the same time. This recording finds Cobham continuing to explore the funk genre; however, the overall mood here is quite darker and more introspective, similar to Crosswinds. "Inner Conflicts" is a haunting song that includes Cobham's experimentation with electronic percussion and synthesizer. "Nickles and Dimes" is a page out of Cobham's early work, while "El Barrio" is heavily influenced by African rhythms. Of note, Prince's former sidekick Sheila E. performs here with her father Pete. The closer, "Arroyo," is another of Cobham's memorable compositions that he continues to perform.  by Robert Taylor
Tracklist 
1 Inner Conflicts 10:49
Programmed By [Synthesizer] – Billy Cobham, John Bowen
Synthesizer, Drums, Percussion – Billy Cobham
2 The Muffin Talks Back 9:52
Bass – Alfonso Johnson
Congas, Percussion [Latin Percussion] – Sheila Escovedo
Drums – Billy Cobham
Keyboards – Don Grolnick
Percussion [Latin Percussion] – Jose Najeira
Timbales, Percussion [Latin Percussion] – Pete Escovedo
3 Nickels And Dimes 7:21
Bass – John Williams 
Drums – Billy Cobham
Guitar – John Scofield
Keyboards – Dawilli Gonga
Trombone – Julian Priester
Trumpet – Randy Brecker
Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Jimmy Owens
Woodwind – Ernie Watts, Michael Brecker
Xylophone, Marimba – Ruth Underwood
4 El Barrio 6:30
Bass – Alfonso Johnson
Congas, Percussion [Latin Percussion] – Sheila Escovedo
Drums – Billy Cobham
Guitar – Steve Kahn
Keyboards – Don Grolnick
Percussion [Latin Percussion] – Jose Najeira
Timbales, Percussion [Latin Percussion] – Pete Escovedo
Trombone – Julian Priester
5 Arroyo 4:15
Bass – John Williams 
Drums – Billy Cobham
Guitar – John Scofield
Keyboards – Dawilli Gonga

STEVE KHAN - Tightrop (1977) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

What do you get when you have a superb rhythm section, saucy keyboards, a hot and brassy mini-horn section, and one very tasteful jazz- and chops-laden guitarist all come together with some jazz and some fusion in mind? You have the magic of Steve Khan and the Brecker Brothers coming together. With folks like this, and Steve Gadd and Bob James too, you have a formula for success.
Khan's compositions are smooth yet lively enough not to bore. His unique drive, and pristine flourish and tone on his modded Fender Telecaster, and even his deft acoustic work, all come together to make a very satisfying blend of sexy jazz and funked-up, be bop fusion. Yet there is that special touch that only Steve Khan can add that makes his releases a signature sound on each outing. If you listen closely, you will hear Larry Coryell-ian riffs and stylings (as Khan and Coryell used to jam together, and did record together).
Much ado is made about Mike Stern's guitar work in the '80s and '90s, but one listen to Khan and you will immediately hear who his big inspiration was. Next time you pick up an old Stern release you stand a good chance of seeing the words "produced by Steve Khan." by John W. Patterson   
Tracklist:
1 Some Punk Funk 5:20
Piano [Acoustic] – Don Grolnick
Written-By – Steve Khan
2 Darlin' Darlin' Baby (Sweet, Tender, Love) 6:29
Written-By – Gamble & Huff
3 Tightrope (For Folon) 5:44
Written-By – Steve Khan
4 The Big Ones 6:02
Alto Saxophone [Solo], Soloist – Dave Sanborn 
Written-By – Randy Brecker
5 Star Chamber 5:19
Written-By – Steve Khan
6 Soft Summer Breeze 5:00
Written-By – Eddie Heywood, J. Spencer 
7 Where Shadows Meet 3:40
Written-By – Steve Khan
Credits:
Alto Saxophone – Dave Sanborn (tracks: 2, 3, 5)
Arranged By – Bob James (tracks: 2, 6), Steve Khan (tracks: 1, 3 to 5, 7)
Bass – Will Lee
Clavinet – Don Grolnick (tracks: 3 to 5)
Drums – Steve Gadd
Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes] – Bob James (tracks: 1, 4, 5), Don Grolnick (tracks: 2, 3, 6, 7)
Guitar – David Spinozza (tracks: 3, 7), Jeff Mironov (tracks: 2, 4 to 7), Steve Khan (tracks: 1 to 4, 6, 7)
Percussion – Ralph MacDonald
Producer – Bob James
Synthesizer [Oberheim Polyphonic] – Bob James (tracks: 1, 2, 4 to 7)
Tenor Saxophone – Mike Brecker (tracks: 1, 3, 4)
Trumpet – Randy Brecker (tracks: 3, 4)
Twelve-String Guitar [Electric] – Steve Khan (tracks: 1, 5, 7)

THE BRECKER BROTHERS - The Brecker Bros. (1975-2015) 24-96

Tracklist:

1 Some Skunk Funk 5:51

2 Sponge 4:05

3 A Creature Of Many Faces 7:40

4 Twilight 5:43

5 Sneakin' Up Behind U 4:54

6 Rocks 4:39

7 Levitate 4:31

8 On My Stars 3:13

9 D.B.B. 4:46

Credits:

Alto Saxophone – Dave Sanborn

Drums – Harvey Mason

Electric Bass – Will Lee

Guitar – Bob Mann

Keyboards – Don Grolnick

Percussion – Ralph MacDonald

Tenor Saxophone – Michael Brecker

Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Randy Brecker

Vocals – Randy Brecker, Will Lee

THE BRECKER BROTHERS - Back to Back (1976) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Tracklist:

1 Keep It Steady (Brecker Bump) 6:24

Written-By – D. Sanborn, L. Vandross, R. Brecker, S. Khan

2 If You Wanna Boogie...Forget It 3:58

Written-By – D. Grolnick, S. Khan, W. Lee

3 Lovely Lady 6:18

Written-By – A. Willis, C. Crossley, R. Brecker

4 Night Flight 6:15

Written-By – M. Brecker

5 Slick Stuff 4:48

Written-By – R. Brecker

6 Dig A Little Deeper 4:00

Written-By – A. Willis, D. Lasley, D. Grolnick, W. Lee

7 Grease Piece 5:47

Written-By – D. Sanborn, M. Brecker, R. Brecker, S. Khan

8 What Can A Miracle Do 4:16

Written-By – D. Grolnick, L. Vandross

9 I Love Wastin' Time With You 6:32

Written-By – A. Willis, C. Crossley, M. Brecker

Credits:

Alto Saxophone – David Sanborn

Baritone Saxophone – Lew Del Gatto (tracks: 2)

Drums – Christopher Parker, Steve Gadd (tracks: 4, 9)

Electric Bass, Lead Vocals – Will Lee

Guitar – Steve Khan

Keyboards – Don Grolnick

Marimba – Dave Friedman (tracks: 6)

Percussion – Ralph MacDonald, Rafael Cruz (tracks: 4), Sammy Figueroa (tracks: 4)

Tenor Saxophone, Flute – Michael Brecker

Trumpet, Trumpet [Electric Trumpet], Flugelhorn – Randy Brecker

THE BRECKER BROTHERS - Don't Stop the Music (1977) Mp3

This 1977 effort continues their hitmaking streak of one of fusion and R&B's durable and respected units. While this album's predecessor, Back to Back, was credited to the Brecker Brothers Band and featured members including David Sanborn and Steve Khan, it came off as underdone and facile. Don't Stop the Music does present their gifts in a more cogent fashion, but not without a few odd detours. The title track and "Finger Licking Good" are pure disco efforts, with pushy rhythms and ingratiating backing vocals. Although they are both a little silly, they have great horn riffs and boast a potent production. Despite those danceable offerings, Don't Stop the Music also features some of the brothers' most challenging work. The funky and quirky "Squids" features Randy Brecker's customarily offbeat and singular electric trumpet work. Hiram Bullock's articulate guitar also shines on that track and he fit into the Breckers sound like no other player. "Funky Sea, Funky Dew" is a reflective, urbane mid-tempo offering that has great tenor solos from Michael Brecker. The just-as-strong "Petals" features a poignant trumpet work from Randy Brecker. Don't Stop the Music enlists rock producer Jack Richardson, and he and co-producer Steve Backer both capture the more powerful aspects of the duo. Recorded at Atlantic Studios and engineered by Gene Paul, Don't Stop the Music boasts an interesting sound, and is one of the Brecker Brothers' better efforts. by Jason Elias  
Tracklist:
1 Finger Lickin' Good 3:58
Lyrics By – Ticky Brecker
Written-By – Randy Brecker
2 Funky Sea,Funky Dew 6:13
Written-By – Michael Brecker
3 As Long As I've Got Your Love 4:14
Written-By – Beverly Billard, Doug Billard
4 Squids 7:42
Written-By – Randy Brecker
5 Don't Stop The Music 6:30
Written-By – Jerry Friedman
6 Petals 4:20
Written-By – Randy Brecker
7 Tabula Rasa 8:19
Written-By – Randy Brecker
Credits:
Alto Saxophone [Alto Sax] – Lou Marini
Arranged By [Horns And Strings] – Doug Riley
Backing Vocals – Beverly Billard (tracks: 3), Christine Faith, Doug Billard (tracks: 3), Josh Brown, Robin Clark, Will Lee
Baritone Saxophone [Baritone Sax] – Lew Del Gatto
Bass – Will Lee
Bass Trombone – David Taylor
Cello – Jesse Levy, Richard Locker
Concertmaster – Gene Orloff
Congas – Sammy Figueroa (tracks: 7)
Drums – Chris Parker (tracks: 1 to 3, 5), Lenny White (tracks: 7), Steve Gadd (tracks: 4, 6)
Electric Guitar, Electric Guitar [Electric 12 String Guitar] – Steve Khan
Electric Piano – Jerry Friedman (tracks: 5)
Guitar – Hiram Bullock (tracks: 2 to 4, 6), Jerry Friedman (tracks: 1), Sandy Torano (tracks: 1, 3)
Keyboards – Don Grolnick, Doug Riley
Percussion – Ralph MacDonald
Tenor Saxophone [Tenor Sax], Flute – Michael Brecker
Trombone – Barry Rogers
Trumpet – Alan Rubin
Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Trumpet [Electric Trumpet] – Randy Brecker
Viola – Alfred Brown, Lamar Alsop, Richard Maximoff
Violin – Aaron Rosand, Ariana Bronne, Guy Lumia, Harold Kohon, Harry Lookofsky, Matthew Raimondi, Paul Gershman, Peter Dimitriades, Sanford Allen

THE BRECKER BROTHERS - Detente (1980) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The epitome of cool, the Brecker Brothers were one of best-selling jazz fusion outfits of the mid-'70s to the early '80s. Randy Brecker (trumpet/flügelhorn) and Michael Brecker (tenor sax) were ubiquitous session players and also members of the New York band Dreams. By the mid-'70s, they started recording under their own name. Their subsequent albums, The Brecker Brothers, Don't Stop the Music, and the live Heavy Metal Be-Bop all find the group doing challenging melodies in a genre that often played it too stupid. Detente finds them during a time when jazz playing was starting to get more lucrative. Keyboardist and producer George Duke was behind the boards for Detente. Although the Brecker Brothers and Duke are probably mainstays in any jazz fusion collection, their styles aren't analogous. Some of the tracks here clearly prove that point. "You Ga (Ta Give It)" and "Not Tonight" both come off as a little too radio-friendly. Not surprisingly, the best cuts here have both the classic intelligent Brecker Brothers sound as well as George Duke's production prowess. The sophisticated and funky "Tee'd Off" gets the Brecker Brothers on more familiar terrain and features a sinewy guitar solo from the underrated Hiram Bullock. The highly charged "Squish" and "Baffled" both display Randy Brecker's singular arranging skills. "Dream Theme," arranged by Michael Brecker, is the album's best song, reflective yet not melancholy, with his saxophone felt and flawless throughout. The last track, "I Don't Know Either," has solos from both of the Brecker Brothers, and displays the level of skill that many jazz outfits simply didn't possess. Detente features work from a litany of jazz players, including Neil Jason and Steve Jordan in addition to Duke. Despite a few lukewarm tracks, Detente is well worth picking up. by Jason Elias 
Tracklist:
1 You Ga (Ta Give It) 4:30
Composed By – Randy Brecker
Vocals – Carl Carwell, D. J. Rogers
2 Not Tonight 3:57
Composed By – Michael Brecker, Neil Jason
Lyrics By – Neil Jason
Vocals – Carl Carwell
3 Don't Get Funny With My Money 4:33
Lyrics By – Luther Vandross
Music By, Lyrics By – Randy Brecker
4 Tee'd Off 3:43
Composed By – Michael Brecker
5 You Left Something Behind 4:00
Lyrics By – Debra Barsha
Music By – Randy Brecker
6 Squish 5:51
Composed By – Randy Brecker
7 Dream Theme 5:39

Composed By – Michael Brecker

8 Baffled 5:21
Composed By – Randy Brecker
9 I Don't Know Either 5:48
Composed By – Michael Brecker
Credits:
Bass – Marcus Miller, Neil Jason
Drums – Steve Gadd, Steve Jordan
Guitar – David Spinozza, Jeff Mironov
Keyboards – Mark Gray, George Duke, Don Grolnick
Percussion – Airto Moreira, Ralph MacDonald, Paulinho da Costa
Producer – George Duke
Tenor Saxophone, Flute – Michael Brecker
Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Randy Brecker
Vocals – Carl Carwell, D. J. Rogers

MICHAEL BRECKER - Don't Try This At Home (1988) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Michael Brecker's second album as a leader is almost the equal of his first. Surprisingly, only one song ("Suspone") uses his working quintet of the period (which consists of guitarist Mike Stern, pianist Joey Calderazzo, bassist Jeff Andrews and drummer Adam Nussbaum) although those musicians also pop up on other selections with the likes of pianists Don Grolnick and Herbie Hancock, bassist Charlie Haden, drummer Jack DeJohnette and violinist Mark O'Connor. Brecker (on tenor and the EWI) is in superb form, really ripping into the eight pieces (mostly group originals). Recommended. by Scott Yanow

STEVE KHAN - The Blue Man (1978-1998) APE (image+.cue), lossless

Steve Khan's second release was a self-produced/arranged gem. It was similar in many respects to his prior debut, yet fans will probably recall this release as their all-around favorite from Steve Khan's '70s era recordings. The horn section and solos are still there, but Khan does more conversational soloing with the reed lines. This is especially evident on "An Eye Over Autumn," and its fusion jam-fest.
The Blue Man might seem, overall, tighter, focused, and polished, and Khan's guitar tone more overdriven, more jazz rocking, and intensely penetrating in solos and intricate ostinato embellishment around song themes. The delicate reverb, delay, and crystal-clear tones on his solos are rarely heard done so well these days. Khan shows a mastering of tone and subtle bends. His phrasing is so melodic and emotionally rich that it delivers a spine-chill "rush" nearly every ten or fifteen notes. The keyboards and vibes are wonderful, sexy-silky-smooth, like a fine wine, Steely Dan, jazz rocker ballad throughout. Horns do more staccato bursts, and the percussion is more varied and polyrhythmic, becoming outright funkified boogie in places. That Latin-flavored Santana-esque groove slips through in spots. Khan again offers a beautifully executed acoustic/electric guitar outing, echoing a Larry Coryell friendship on "Daily Valley."
This release is excellent. It's no wonder his name is resident now with the lists of the great jazz guitarists of fame and genius. John W. Patterson
Tracklist:
1 Daily Bulls 7:02
2 The Blue Man 6:01
3 Some Down Time 5:25
4 The Little Ones 5:52
5 Daily Valley 4:52
6 An Eye Over Autumn (For Folon) 8:48
Credits:
Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Producer – Steve Khan
Alto Saxophone – David Sanborn (tracks: 3, 6)
Congas, Percussion – Ralph MacDonald (tracks: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
Drums – Steve Gadd
Electric Bass – Will Lee
Electric Guitar – Jeff Mironov
Electric Piano – Don Grolnick
Marimba – Mike Mainieri (tracks: 5)
Synthesizer – Bob James (tracks: 2)
Tenor Saxophone – Michael Brecker (tracks: 3, 4, 6)
Timbales, Cowbell – Rick Marotta (tracks: 6)
Trumpet – Randy Brecker (tracks: 3, 4, 6)

PETER ERSKINE - Peter Erskine (1982-1991) RM / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Drummer Peter Erskine's debut as a leader (originally made for Contemporary and reissued on CD in the OJC series) finds him using top players (most of whom had played with Steps Ahead) in various combinations. Erskine performs a few of his own originals (including an 11-minute "All's Well That Ends" and a short drum solo) plus "My Ship," Wayne Shorter's "E.S.P.," and Bob Mintzer's "Change of Mind." With such musicians as trumpeter Randy Brecker, tenors Michael Brecker and Mintzer, pianist Kenny Kirkland, and vibraphonist Mike Mainieri getting some solo space, this post-bop music (from an often-overlooked set) is of consistent high quality. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1 Leroy Street 7:55
Peter Erskine
2 In Statu Nascendi 1:30
Peter Erskine
3 E.S.P. 2:58
Wayne Shorter
4 Change of Mind 7:29
Bob Mintzer
5 All's Well That Ends 11:08
Peter Erskine
6 My Ship 5:44
Ira Gershwin / Kurt Weill
7 Coyote Blues 4:42
Peter Erskine
Credits :
Bass – Eddie Gomez
Congas, Shaker, Drum [Bata Drum] – Don Alias
Drums, Percussion, Keyboards [Obx] – Peter Erskine
Electric Piano, Keyboards [Obx] – Don Grolnick
Piano – Kenny Kirkland
Tenor Saxophone – Michael Brecker
Tenor Saxophone, Bass Clarinet – Bob Mintzer
Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Randy Brecker
Vibraphone [Vibes] – Mike Mainieri

JOHN SCOFIELD - Still Warm (1986) [24bits-96hz] FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

John Scofield, one of the most distinctive guitarists of the era, performs six of his originals with an all-star rhythm section that consists of keyboardist Don Grolnick, electric bassist Darryl Jones and drummer Omar Hakim. The music is funky, exploratory, sometimes disturbing and other times grooving. It crosses a variety of musical boundaries without fitting securely into any one genre. Although not one of Scofield's most significant sets, the stimulating music is worth investigating. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1. Techno 7:30
John Scofield
2. Still Warm 6:02
John Scofield
3. High And Mighty 5:17
Dolly Parton / John Scofield
4. Protocol 3:46
John Scofield
5. Rule Of Thumb 7:25
John Scofield
6. Picks And Pans 5:26
John Scofield
7. Gil B643 6:43
John Scofield
Credits :
John Scofield - Guitar
Don Grolnick - Keyboards
Darryl Jones - Bass
Omar Hakim - Drums