Time Is Of The Essence
Tenor saxophonist Michael Brecker has offered his horn to countless studio sessions since the late 1960s, many including his own bands. Purists might have considered Brecker's reputation sullied by his association with fusion--especially as performed in the 1970s by theBrecker Brothers, which featured him alongside his brother Randy on trumpet, and later bySteps Ahead--but since the mid-1980s, the tenorist has been on a post-bop roll.Time Is of the Essenceextends Brecker's broad command of the styles pioneered during the mid-1960s. He's playing with a veritable supergroup,Pat Methenyadding efficient strums and riffs on guitar andLarry Goldingspillowing the atmosphere on a Hammond B3 organ. Three drummers alternate on the session, with the greatElvin Jonesmaking the most turbulent storm and Bill Stewart providing the most detailed textures.Jeff "Tain" Wattsmixes Jones's romping power with a sense of the delicate, loaning Brecker's melodies an added dimension. For his part, Brecker plays hard and fast with absolute proficiency. The tunes are gutsy and sharp, with lots of creative soloing and up-tempo energy.--Andrew Bartlett