Although
Dreams is a legendary pioneer jazz-rock group that included such young players as trumpeter
Randy Brecker, guitarist
John Abercrombie, drummer
Billy Cobham and the 19-year old tenor
Michael Brecker, its music has dated very badly. This CD reissue finds solos being de-emphasized in favor of erratic and often unlistenable vocals. While trombonist
Barry Rogers had a feeling for jazz, the remainder of the group (singer
Edward Vernon, keyboardist-guitarist-vocalist
Jeff Kent and bassist-vocalist
Doug Lubahn) weighs down the recording with mundane pop sensibilities. Only a spirited "New York" and the 14-minute "Dream Suite" allow the horns a chance to blow a bit and even there the results are quite forgettable and disappointing.