The Brecker Brothers appeared on hundreds if not thousands of recordings, by the likes of James Taylor, Todd Rundgren (“Hello It’s Me”), Aerosmith (“Same Old Song and Dance”), Everything But the Girl, Bruce Springsteen, Art Blakey, Jaco Pastorius – even Blood, Sweat and Tears, of which Randy Brecker was a charter member.
He and Michael Brecker co-led the band Dreams (with a certain Bill Cobham Jr. in the drum chair), played together with Horace Silver and appeared on one another’s solo albums, but their most noteworthy collaborative effort was the Brecker Brothers Band.
From 1975 through 1994, they co-led the jazz / funk / fusion outfit alongside a dizzying number of collaborators. They included Barry Finnerty, Dean Brown, Bob Mann, Hiram Bullock, Mike Stern, Steve Khan – and those are just the guitarists. The group released eight albums during its time together, winning two Grammy Awards for the 1994 album Out of the Loop. Even Michael Brecker’s death in 2007 didn’t scuttle the band completely, as Randy revived it (with his wife Ada on sax) for the Brecker Brothers Band Reunion in 2013.
So, the Brecker Brothers’ Live and Unreleased is a cause for joy. Hearing Randy and Michael Brecker stretching out at the peak of their powers – and then stretching some more – is a treat, and a reminder of a time when labels were less important, be they jazz, rock, fusion or jam.
And there are certainly a bunch of those various elements here. The Brecker Brothers were among those jazz musicians who not only embraced rock and funk rhythms but electronics as well. Michael Brecker was an acknowledged master of not only tenor sax, but the Electronic Wind Instrument, which he uses to great effect in this set. His brother Randy electrified his trumpet, giving them both additional tonal palettes.
Live and Unreleased includes several tunes familiar to fans. In fact, five of the six songs from the 1978 live disc Heavy Metal Be Bop find their way here, but they serve in large part as jumping off points for the soloists, making these versions significantly different.
The opening “Strap Hangin’” finds Randy Brecker blasting away, with some wah-wah trumpet(!) adding to the mix. The brothers trade off on “Sponge,” with cascades of notes from Michael’s tenor leading to Randy’s bravura trumpet solo. “Funky Sea, Funky Dew” gives Michael’s tenor room for some unaccompanied space with electronic enhancement. The rest of the band members get opportunities in the spotlight as well. Guitarist Barry Finerty follows Michael Brecker’s solo with a lengthy, bluesy solo, giving the piece a Steely Dan feel.
“Inside Out” provides keyboardist Mark Gray the opportunity to explore his synth, followed by more electric trumpet action from Randy. Then it’s Michael’s turn, leading into Finnerty’s solo. “Some Skunk Funk” proceeds at a very bright tempo, showcasing Brecker Brothers Band’s chops and tightness. Michael takes the first solo, squeals and honks demonstrating his mastery of the instrument. Neil Jason gets a chance to strut his stuff on bass, concluding with the siblings repeating the catchy riff.
Even the two vocal tunes that close out Live and Unreleased (and the concert from which it came) are really vehicles for some unrestrained blowing.
Will the jazz police appreciate this recording? Doubtful. Too many rock rhythms, they’ll say, or the bass is too funky. Those who choose to actually listen, however, will be rewarded – as well as those who find the Brecker Brothers’ Live and Unreleased moves the feet as much as the head.
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