RANDY BRECKER
Hangin' In The City (ESC Records)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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Randy Brecker's saxophonist brother Michael is aboard for this new release, but it's no Brecker Brothers reunion project. On Hangin' In The City, the Grammy winning trumpeter charts a different course, revealing his talents as a lyricist and introducing his alter ego, Randroid, a streetwise cabbie rapper, who regales us with tales of the back seat love affairs he's encountered over the years. It's Brecker's vehicle for telling the tales he's gathered over the course of his thirty plus years on the road, and it's done with good humor and a funky soundtrack that makes this album a lot of fun.

Of course, even when he's just goofing off, Randy Brecker is one of the most formidable talents in the business. From his days as a founding member of Blood, Sweat & Tears to his more recent forays with the Mingus Big Band, Brecker's horn has helped define the sound of trumpet in modern jazz. His exceptional talent, and the excellent sidemen he brings along (including Michael, guitarists Hiram Bullock, Dean Brown, Joe Caro and Adam Rogers and others) insure that while the approach may be novel, the album is no mere novelty. In addition to Randroid's vocal contributions, there are some great instrumental tracks, including the Wayne Shorter tribute, "Wayne Out" and Randy's instrumental ode to his former partner in jazz, "Pastoral (To Jaco)."

I have a feeling Randroid's got another tale or two tucked in the glove compartment of his hack, and I hope Randy doesn't take too long convincing him to drag them out, but meanwhile there's some great stories and some great music on this one.

Track List:

Overture * Wayne Out * Hangin' In The City * I Talk To The Trees * Down For The Count * Pastoral (To Jaco) * Then I Came 2 My Senses * Seattle * Never Tell Her U Love Her * I Been Through This Before * One Think Led To Another

© 2001 - Shaun Dale