The Brubeck Brothers Quartet's third CD proves to be the most adventurous outing as a unit. With this release Chuck Lamb replaces Pete Levin on keyboards, with drummer Dan Brubeck and guitarist Mike DeMicco (who worked together in the Dolphins) still making important contributions as well. DeMicco contributed the lyrical opener "Good Question," an infectious Pat Metheny-like piece that evolves gradually, along with the slinky yet subtle "Eclipse" that ends with Dan's intense solo. Lamb's energetic "Heyoke" mixes a country-flavored jig with terrific solos by Mike and Chris Brubeck, leading to a marvelous interplay between the pianist and drummer. "Dance of the Shadows" is a collaborative effort by Chris and Dan, a loping bossa nova in which the bassist overdubs a bass trombone line in response to the piano's call. Chris' feature for bass trombone is the warm ballad "Friends Beyond Time," a piece that combines a great melody with a weary air that any traveling musician will understand. Chris' extended commissioned piece "Vignettes for Nonet," a three movement suite, adds the eclectic classical quintet the Imani Winds to the quartet. The composer, a self-taught orchestrator, excels in this type of writing and the combined nonet realizes the full potential of his intriguing work. Since Chris and Dan both toured for a time with their famous father, the composer of "Blue Rondo a la Turk," it is hardly surprising to hear the quartet play this famous piece, though the addition of the Imani Winds in this version gives it a very different character. Highly recommended!
© Ken Dryden /TiVo