Randy Brecker
Hangin' in the City

N.Y.C. Year 2000, the "virtuosic hi-tech" Randy Brecker, as our artist is called, offers a product to the market that will not only win the approval of the jazz scene but also attract admirers and sympathizers of rock, jazz rock, funk jazz, pop funk, and pop jazz. The eclectic trumpeter who doesn't like to work within the genre but at the boundaries with genres to then blend them together, brings to life "Hangin' in the City", a substantial recording that contains all the freshness that has been missing for some time in the jazz movement of the Big Apple.

Focusing now on the actual album, let's say first of all, that this gem with jazz-funk themes and robust, substantial melodies manages to captivate even the most skeptical from the first listen by sliding into consistent funky tones with very sophisticated samples and synth sounds thanks to the touch of George Whitty, who, besides mixing and recording the album, also works with keyboards and drum programming. As for the voices, it marks the debut of "Randroid", a sort of alter-ego of the artist, adapted to a nickname that sings and strikes with thoughts from his lifestyle... in a few words, urban, sensual, and pimp (see cover).

A great groove that never loses its edge from start to finish, among the guests we find excellent rhythm sections with Don Alias on percussion in "I Talk to the Trees" and Chris Minh Doky on acoustic and electric bass in "Wayne Out", "Pastoral", "I Been Through This Before". The tenor sax phrases played by Michael Brecker, the younger brother of Randy (sadly passed away last January 14... ehem... which I felt was right to remember) highlight the approach to high technology and avant-garde musical visions.

The guitars are not overshadowed either; on the contrary, we can say that Adam Rogers, Dean Brown, Joe Caro, and Hiram Bullok (the latter also in background vocals) parade on the catwalk. Two more names to complete the picture, Will Lee and Richard Bona on bass, Joe Locke on vibraphone, and again on vocals Mike Harvey and Katreese Barnes. A total of 11 dancing tracks, of which only 4 are instrumental, give shape and design to this fine album, which will hardly become part of the classic jazz clichés.