2012-03-25
Jeff Lorber has been around since 1977. Galaxy is his 24th album! He is an alumnus of Berklee College of Music and was heavily influenced by Chick Corea and Herbie Hancock. Galaxy is both blistering and soothing. This album is very cohesive with its flawless transitions and razor-like precision. “Montserrat” is the heart and soul of Galaxy with tight horn work and funky bass. Love the catchy rhythm of “City” with horns and bass leading the way while Lorber explores the speed at which he can travel the keys. “Wizard Island” resonates with that same memorable riff (from the album in 1980) and many musical elements! “Horace” is a tribute to Horace Silver who Lorber says was the first jazz pianist he could figure out what he was doing. The guitar work and percussion on “The Samba” makes you wish it wouldn’t end (the original track on the 1978 album Soft Space featured Chick on minimoog). Although personal favorites here are tracks 3-6-10 noted above, each song is a little bit of fusion nirvana. Pam VandeKerkhoffKEN CLARK ORGAN TRIO
Mutual Respect
THE CHARLES MINGUS SEXTET
Charles Mingus Sextet with Eric Dolphy - Cornell 1964
Mwalim
Awakened by a Noon Day Sun
Matt White The Super Villain Jazz Band
Worlds Wide
ELVIS COSTELLO AND ALLEN TOUSSAINT (“Two-SAHN-t”)
The River in Reverse
MATTHEW SHIPP
One
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