Randy Brecker with Michael Brecker – Some Skunk Funk (2005) {SACD ISO + FLAC 24bit/88,2kHz}

In the mid ’70s, trumpeter Randy Brecker and his saxophonist brother Michael were the Wynton and Branford Marsalis of their jazz fusion day. This live date features the brothers performing with the WDR Big Band in Koln, Germany in 2003. Augmented by conductor/arranger Vince Mendoza, bassist Will Lee, and drummer Peter Erskine, the Breckers revive some of their hits from their classic LPs Back to Back, Don’t Stop the Music, Heavy Metal Be-Bop, Detente, and Strap-Hangin’. Randy’s full-bodied trumpet tones and Michael’s Tranish sheets-of-sound sax appeal reveal their tradition-born technique applied to funk, world, and pop-oriented soundscapes. The peppery title track and the mid-tempo backbeat on “Sponge” reveal their mainstream jazz cred, and the oblique “Wayne Out” is a tribute to Wayne Shorter. The Latin-tinged “Shanghigh” is a shout-out to Randy’s former boss Horace Silver, while the percussive “For Barry” reveals Michael’s type of tenor madness. Contrary to some critics, these fusion cats could swing.

The Brecker Brothers join forces for a set of mostly high-powered originals at a concert in 2003. Their post-bop music is generally funky (although “Freefall” is an uptempo cooker) and sometimes a bit bombastic yet is never predictable. Trumpeter Randy Brecker and tenor saxophonist Michael Brecker take many fiery solos while also sounding warm on ballads. They are supported by a particularly strong rhythm section. In addition, the WDR Big Band contributes 14 horns and a guitar to accompany the core group. The individual songs may not be overly memorable (although “Some Skunk Funk” has been getting covered by other musicians) but the Breckers’ solos are full of exciting moments.

Tracklist:
01. Some Skunk Funk
02. Sponge
03. Shanghigh
04. Wayne Out
05. And Then She Wept
06. Strap-Hangin’
07. Let It Go
08. Freefall
09. Levitate
10. Song For Barry

Produced by Lucas Schmid & Jochim Becker.
Recorded “Live” on November 11, 2003 at the Forum, Leverkusen.

Personnel:
– Randy Brecker: trumpet
– Michael Brecker: tenor saxophone
-Jim Beard: piano and synthesizer
– Will Lee: electric bass
– Peter Erskine: drums
– Marcio Doctor: percussion
+ The WDR Big Band Köln, Arranged & Conducted by Vince Mendoza

SACD ISO

mqs.link_RandyMichaelBreckerSmeSkunkFunk2005SACDIS.part1.rar
mqs.link_RandyMichaelBreckerSmeSkunkFunk2005SACDIS.part2.rar
mqs.link_RandyMichaelBreckerSmeSkunkFunk2005SACDIS.part3.rar
mqs.link_RandyMichaelBreckerSmeSkunkFunk2005SACDIS.part4.rar
mqs.link_RandyMichaelBreckerSmeSkunkFunk2005SACDIS.part5.rar

FLAC 24bit/88,2kHz

mqs.link_RandyMichaelBreckerSmeSkunkFunk2005FLACStere2488.2.part1.rar
mqs.link_RandyMichaelBreckerSmeSkunkFunk2005FLACStere2488.2.part2.rar