The Brecker Brothers Band - Live In NYC (1992)

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I am a big fan of the Brecker Brothers' work of the 70's and early 80's when they produced a unique style of music, characterized by powerful grooves and wonderful, original melodies and harmonies. Together with the great individual skills of Michael and Randy and of the various other band members, they were responsible for some of the greatest Jazz (funk) records IMHO. I decided to buy this cd after i was quite enthusiastic about their 'Live in Barcelona' video. The video featured the BB playing with Mike Stern, Dennis Chambers, James Genus, George Whitty; all of whom can also be found on this cd. Unfortunately the chemistry and energy of that band cannot be found on this cd. The slick 'revenge of the eighties' production of keyboardists Whitty and Risenhoover makes for a cardboardy, mechanic sound that does not do justice to the richness of the music. They took good care to make even the few musical parts that they were not allowed to play sound like they come from their synthesisers. And that includes everything from Dennis Chambers' drumming until Michael Breckers' saxophone. This fact is seriously detrimental to the general flow and groove of the music, which is all the more noticable and painful for someone acquainted with the BB's prior work. Why? Why not take the great band to the studio and have them play all the tunes in a couple of days? Better even, why not use the material that was recorded live? In the mean time tell the keyboardist to stay behind his keyboard. Knowing the 'Live in Barcelona' video, it is painfully clear that despite of some great compositions, this cd was a wasted opportunity for another BB classic.

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01. Some Skunk Funk
02. Common Ground
03. Sponge
04. Michael Wailing On The EWI
05. Song For Barry
06. Sozino
07. Inside Out