Randy Brecker: Toe to Toe (1990)

Randy Brecker is essentially a fine hard bop trumpet soloist, but one versatile enough to fit into nearly any setting, including in the pop world, funk bands, and electronic fusion. He studied classical trumpet and attended Indiana University. Brecker was with Blood, Sweat & Tears in 1967, and spent 1968-1969 playing with Horace Silver's quintet. He also appeared with the big bands of Clark Terry, Duke Pearson, Frank Foster, and the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis orchestra. After playing with the early fusion group Dreams in 1969, he worked with Larry Coryell's Eleventh House and Billy Cobham, in addition to keeping very busy with studio work. He teamed up with Michael Brecker in the popular funk-oriented Brecker Brothers (1974-1979); in the '80s he often collaborated with his wife, pianist/vocalist Eliane Elias; and in the '90s he toured with the reunited Brecker Brothers. But Randy Brecker still sounds best when in a freewheeling bebop combo, and fortunately he occasionally records in that type of spontaneous setting.

Tracklist:
1.Mr. Skinny [Brecker] 5:36
2.Trading Secrets [Brecker] 5:10
3.It Creeps up on You [Brecker] 4:53
4.The Glider [Brecker] 6:04
5.Toe to Toe [Brecker] 4:54
6.It's up to You [Brecker] 5:50
7.What Is the Answer [Brecker] 4:41
8.Lost 4 Words [Brecker] 6:14
Personnel:
Victor Bailey - Bass (Electric)
Jim Beard - Arranger, Bass, Drum Machine, Drum Programming, Keyboards, Mixing, Producer
Regina Belle - Vocals (Background)
Michael Brecker - Sax (Tenor)
Randy Brecker - Arranger, Electric Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Mixing, Producer, Trumpet, Vocals
Dennis Chambers - Drums, Drums (Snare)
Dag Haeggqvist Executive Producer
Jon Herington Guitar
Bashiri Johnson - Percussion
Darryl Jones - Bass
Mark Ledford - Arranger, Vocals, Vocals (Background)
Bob Mintzer - Clarinet (Bass)
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Mike Stern: Odds Or Evens (1991)

This is a powerhouse date of high-powered fusion, mixing together the sound of rock with the musicianship and improvising of jazz. With the assistance of tenor saxophonist Bob Berg, keyboardist Jim Beard and a rhythm section, guitarist Stern jams through a set of originals that serve as jumping-off devices for fairly long solos. The musicians really stretch themselves within the idiom and even the quieter numbers are full of intensity.

Tracklist:

1  Keys - Stern 7:28
2  D.C. - Stern 7:40
3  Common Ground - Stern 6:05
4  Odds or Evens - Stern 7:08
5  Seven Thirty - Stern 6:26
6  If You Say So - Stern 7:36
7  Sandbox - Stern 3:59
8  Walkie Talkie - Stern 6:57

Odds Or Evens
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Dennis Chambers: Getting Even (1991)

Originally released in 1991, this hard-to-find Fusion recording is worth searching for. This session features the brilliant drumming of Dennis Chambers, who was just coming into his own at this stage of his career. The selections are fairly typical to the music Chambers was playing with John Scofield, who he uses here on a few tracks, along with another former employer, guitarist Mike Stern. The chemistry with Scofield, Stern, saxophonist Bob Berg and keyboardist Jim Beard is obvious as the three have worked together on several sessions. The temptation to overplay here is addressed by a strong dedication to the groove and by allowing each player ample space. Aside from Chambers' innovative and powerful drumming, the session's excitement is enhanced by the rousing playing of guitarist Jimi Tunnell. While this debut is not in the same class as Stratus (Billy Cobham) or Essence of Mystery (Alphonse Mouzoun), Dennis Chambers demonstrates why he is considered to be one of the most innovative and important players in the history of drumming. This debut is a fine representation of his playing, although fans are encouraged to seek out his extensive discography as a 'sideman' to appreciate his full contributions.

Tracklist:
1  Fortune Dance - Gatzen.Bob 5:54
2  The Opener - Herington 4:23
3  Keep Walking - Gatzen 6:11
4  Red Eyes - Gatzen 6:18
5  Getting Even - Herington 7:30
6  Window's Peak - Holzman 5:56
7  Boo - Soroka 5:55
8  Unitl We Return - Soroka 8:09
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Peter Erskine: Motion Poet (1988)

An excellent percussionist makes an uneven, but ambitious statement. - AMG

Tracklist:
1. Erskoman (06:22)
2. Not a Word (06:40)
3. Hero With a Thousand Faces (06:23)
4. Dream Clock (07:20)
5. Exit Up Right (05:59)
6. A New Regalia (04:05)
7. Boulez (03:22)
8. The Mystery Man (07:41)
9. In Walked Maya (05:12)
Personnel:
PETER ERSKINE - drums
MICHAEL BRECKER - saxes
WILL LEE - bass
ELIANE ELIAS - piano
BOB MINTZER - bass clarinet, saxes
MARC JOHNSON - bass
JEFF MIRONOV - guitar
JOHN ABERCROMBIE - guitar
JIM BEARD - synthesizers
RANDY BRECKER - trumpet
and many others
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Ron van Stratum: Swingin' In The Swamp (2010)

Born and raised in the Netherlands, Ron started out beating rhythms on his mom’s pots and pans before getting his first real drum at the age of 4. During his childhood he joined the local drumcorps and got a ‘no brand’ green sparkle 4 piece drumkit. At age 12 he became Dutch champion in rudimental drumming. Following his passion for drums and musicianship, Ron studied Classical Percussion at the conservatory of Tilburg (NL) and Jazz drums at the Maastricht conservatory (NL). After graduating in 1993, he was asked to join the teachers staff at the Maastricht conservatory, where he still teaches to this day. Van Stratum is known for his ability to play a variety of musical styles such as jazz, pop, worldmusic, latin, R&B, rock, and his outstanding sensitive way of comping for singers.

Over the years Ron has played and worked with countless bands and musicians, to name just a few: Randy Brecker, Brian Bromberg, Mike Mainieri, Bob Sheppard, Mike Stern, Jim Beard, John Beasley, Eric Gale, Scott Kinsey, Christoph Eidens, Andy Middleton, Lynle Marthe, Emile van Egdom, Sam Vloemans, Henk de Laat, Mike Roelofs, Wilbert Kivits, Nadine Nix, Hakim Ludin, Peter Hermesdorf, Frank Peeters, Roman Korolik, Jon Herington, Martin Verdonk, Dirk Schreurs, Jo Lemaire, Margriet Eshuijs, Bart Fermie, Gerard van Maasakkers, Surfcake and many, many more.....

Besides playing sessions, teaching and leading his own projects, Ron is the drummer for Nadine Nix’s band and Henk de Laat . To this day Ron has 3 CDs out as a leader.

Tracklist:

01. Zawinizm

02. Avoiding The Plot
03. Swinging In The Swamp
04. Ode To The Doo Da Day
05. Sunrise At The Pyramids
06. Nomads Trail
07. Round Trip
08. Little Argument
09. Mind The Mosquitos
10. Heat Factor Seven
11. Let's Move
Personnel:

Ron van Stratum: Drums,Percussion
Jim Beard: Keyboards
Mike Roelofs: Keyboards
Wilbert Kivits: Keyboards
Jon Herington: Guitar
Frank Peters: Guitar
Berland Rours: Guitar
Roman Korolik: Bass
Henk de Laat: Acoustic Bass
Peter Hermesdorf: Saxophone
Andy Middleton: Saxophone
Sam Vloemans: Trumpet
Nadine Nix: Vocals
Swingin' In The Swamp
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