Outbreak
If there's any doubt that '70s-style jazz-fusion is back, Chambers squashes it here on this brilliantly recorded, flawlessly executed session. Thirty years ago, there were various names for this kind of jazz-rock and funk. TheBrecker Brotherscalled it "skunk funk."George Dukesaid it was "snake funk in a dunk," andStanley Clarkeonce tagged a tune "Lopsy Lu." Whatever it’s called, it's the highest level of jazz proficiency blended with the energy of rock and a sophisticated form of R&B; or funk. It's no wonder that the only cover tunes on this smoking nine-song set were written byJames Brown("Talkin' Loud and Saying Nothing") andSly Stone("In Time"). Chambers, who played withGeorge Clinton'sParliament/Funkadelicas a teenager and currently plays forSantana, is that rare power drummer who has finesse, but never let's you forget he's on the kit. And with the Breckers,John Scofield, and monster bassists Will Lee andGary Willisamong the high-energy fusion guests, no lover of that music can go wrong here. Every track is a highlight, but both "Groovus Interruptus," because the title is so perfect, and "Paris on Mine," which sounds like a tribute to guitar giantJohn McLaughlin, can be labeled as special.--Mark Ruffin