Bob Berg, Randy Brecker, Dennis Chambers, Joey DeFrancesco - The Jazz Times Superband (2000) (LOSSLE...

Marking its 30th anniversary, JazzTimes magazine convened an all-star band to play an energetic and entertaining set of soul jazz. Bob Berg, Randy Brecker, Dennis Chambers, Joey DeFrancesco, and guest guitarist Paul Bollenback aptly form this superband, each bringing his unique talents to the musical table. Berg is at his intense, wailing best on the self-composed "Silverado" and groovy, party maker "Friday Night at the Cadillac Club." Brecker is bright and playful on his own "Dirty Dogs" and "Jones Street." Chambers and DeFrancesco provide their customary and exemplary support, whirling, swinging, and effectively carrying tunes like the Latin-tinged "The Ada Strut" and the blistering cover of Sonny Rollins' "Oleo." Although this album does not represent the deep musical communication and emotional story telling that characterizes the best, most cohesive working bands, it is a clean, enjoyable jam session conceived by great jazzmen. The most interesting track is the finale, a cover of Eddie Harris' "Freedom Jazz Dance." The superband clearly respects the "free" portion of this dance, indicating a direction in which they might successfully explore as they clock more musical miles together as a functioning unit.