Released in the mid-80's, it has the era's sound and feel, a mix of pomp rock, synth-orchestral fills with polished soloing mixed into the whole. The talented jazz musicians who appear on the album I believe give credence to my statement. The first track, 'Trains' is a bombastic synth-driven tune, with Peter Erskine's solid drum patterns providing a rock beat as a typically fine and multiplied sax solo from Mike Brecker and squealing solo from Hiram Bullock's guitar provide two high points among the pomp. It promises much, yet by itself would be enough. 'Beirut', the next track, keeps the momentum going with an understated yet funky bass line from Victor Bailey, with unsettling synth phrasing and a solo from Mike Mainieri bringing the 8-minute track to a brash close. 'Cajun' follows, a straight-up be-bop rhythm with underlying banjo plucking from Peter Schwimmer and Mainieri's vibes helping to drive it along; while Brecker's mid-point solo develops into a surprising big band sax section. Next is 'In A Sentimental Mood', the Duke Ellington staple played electronically, and this leads into the track 'Magnetic Love', the one possibly created as a single, though sounding like the track for the closing credits of one of those 80's films we endured because it was all that was left in the video store. Let's move on. 'Sumo' comes next, a quirkily funky track with elements reminiscent of the Brecker skunk-funk sound. It grows on you while grating at the same time. 'All The Tea In China' is a richer sounding tune, the ensemble easing you into the penultimate track; 'Something I Said', a slow, lilting tune dominated by Brecker's sax, freed from any electronic alteration, and Mainieri's synthi-vibes. Bailey's bass provides a rumbling counterpoint to the poignant sax and mellow vibes. The last track 'Reprise (Magnetic Love)' eases in, with Brecker's sax playing over the track. It lasts just over a minute (way too short!) And closes the album. ~ Johnny L, 5 Stars, Amazon.com.
Elektra Musician, 960 441-2, 1986
#1,6: Recorded at Bear Tracks
Studios & Electric Lady Studios, New York
#2,3,8: Recorded at Skyline
Studios, New York
#4,5,9: Recorded at Electric
Lady Studios, New York
#7: Recorded at Plant Sound,
New York
Personnel:
Mike Mainieri - Synthi-vibe
(#1,2,3,6,8), Vibes (#7), Keyboards (#1,2,4), Synthesizers (#5,9)
Michael Brecker - Tenor
Saxophone (#1,2,3,5,6,7,8,9), Steiner EWI (#1,3,4,6,7),
Oberheim Xpande (#2,3,4,7)
Chuck Loeb - Electric Guitar
(#1,2,3,6,7,8), Acoustic Guitar (#1), Guitar Synthesizer (#1,2,3,6)
Victor Bailey - Bass
(#1,2,3,6,7,8)
Peter Erskine - Drums
(#1,2,3,6,8), Percussion (#1,2,6,7), Synthesizers (#7,8)
Additional
Musicians
See details in
Archive
Tracks:
1. Trains {Mike Mainieri}
(7:30)
2. Beirut {Michael Brecker,
Chuck Loeb, Mike Mainieri} (8:17)
3. Cajun {Michael Brecker}
(6:18)
4. In A Sentimental Mood {Ellington,
Kurtz, Mills} (3:33)
5. Magnetic Love {Mike
Mainieri, Scott Martin} (5:35)
6. Sumo {Michael Brecker}
(5:52)
7. All The Tea In China
{Peter Erskine} (5:06)
8. Something I Said {Peter
Erskine} (4:13)
9. Magnetic Love [Reprise]
{Mike Mainieri, Scott Martin} (1:25)
Total Time: 47:54
Credits:
Producer - Mike Mainieri,
George Duke
Engineers - Malcolm Pollack,
Neil Dorfsman, Rick Kerr, James Farber,
Joe Barbaria, Jay Rifkin, Andrew Heermans
Engineer [Assistants] - Jamie
Chaleff, Ken Steiger, Rick Begin, Scott Ansell,
Bridget Daly, Robin Lane, Kevin Killian, Tim Purvis
Mixing - Malcolm Pollack, James Farber, Michel
Sauvage,
Michael Brauer, Tom Lord-Alge
In A Sentimental Mood
