27 Apr
Time Is Of The Essence by Michael Brecker
- Written by Lee Prosser
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Perhaps one of the most influential sax men in jazz since Wayne Shorter, Mike Brecker continues to amaze and take jazz just one step further. "Time Is Of The Essence" features an impressive assembly of powerhouse players : Elvin Jones, who once held the drum throne in John Coltrane’s band; guitar legend/composer Pat Metheny; the forever-in-demand Jeff "Tain" Watts; the up and coming wunderkind Bill Stewart and his organ counterpart Larry Goldings. Time is indeed of the essence, and in fact the recording is based around this very key element of jazz and all music in general as stated by Brecker himself. The opener "Arc Of The Pendulum", is a hot house of intense energy conveyed via a subtle, slow-swinging melody line (held beautifully by the rhythm section of Elvin Jones and Larry Goldings on this one) - a perfect introduction for what’s to come. Notable tracks include "Sound Off", contributed by Larry Goldings, the sensual "The Morning Of This Night", which unfolds reveals itself as an emotional powerhouse, with the forces of both angst and love present. "As I Am", another Metheny-penned tune, will remind the listener of some of Brecker’s earlier collaborations, most notably on some of Metheny’s earlier ECM recordings.Most importantly to note about this recording, is that performance and delivery are 120% from all of its players, and Brecker has succeeded in two respects: The first; choosing the right players to add richness to a project. The second, being able to remain a constant innovator every step of the way. Time Is Of The Essence is a testament to one our time’s greatest tenor men, and his continuing golden road into the future.
Additional Info
- Artist / Group Name: Michael Brecker
- CD Title: Time Is Of The Essence
- Genre: Straight-Ahead / Classic
- Year Released: 1999
- Record Label: Verve Music Group
- Tracks: Arc of the Pendulum, Half Past Late, Timeline, Morning of This Night, Renaissance Man, Dr. Slate, As I Am, Outrance
- Musicians: Michael Brecker (tenor sax), Pat Metheny (guitar), Larry Goldings (organ), Bill Stewart, Jeff "Tain" Watts, Elvin Jones (drums)
- Label Website: http://www.vervemusicgroup.com
- Rating: Five Stars
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Straight-Ahead / Classic - CD Reviews
