This double-disc compilation features some of your favorite songs from previously released albums. Songs written by such musical heavyweights as
Herbie Hancock,
Sting, and Rodgers & Hart are reinterpreted by
Lenny White,
Tom Browne, and a host of others. This is a great party disc because of the stylistic range of these covers. There's something for everyone -- from funk to rock to smooth jazz. Disc one ("Hard Cover") opens with
Lenny White's rendition of the
Led Zeppelin hit "Kashmir." There's no mistaking his rock drumming chops, but with the addition of
Foley on vocals and
Danny Walsh on tenor saxophone, this song is taken to new heights and aural discovery. With
Chaka Khan adding her soulful vocals and
Marcus Miller doing the bass honors, "Who Do You Love" becomes an easy question to answer.
White's new arrangement of "Watermelon Man," played here by
Urbanator, is not only a funky version but it allows several players, including trumpeter
Browne, to shine on their solos. "Sunshine of Your Love" (with
Ginger Baker on drums),
Miles Davis' "All Blues" (with
Browne doing a great trumpet melody), and
Jimi Hendrix's "The Wind Cries Mary" (with rap vocals by
KCB) round out disc one. Disc two ("Soft Cover") features a more pensive mood, with soulful ballads, smooth grooves, and great vocals. "Sailing" gets a soulful arrangement with vocals by
Nicki Richards and a great piano solo by
Geri Allen.
Richards' vocals inspire a new appreciation for
Sting's"Tea in the Sahara" as she teams with
Lenny White again, but now has the great
Chick Corea,
Gil Goldstein, and
Dean Brown as accompanists. "My Funny Valentine," sung here by
Al Jarreau, gets an excellent update with its electronic atmosphere and great soloing from trumpeter
Michael "Patches" Stewart and alto saxophonist
Kenny Garrett. Disc two closes with "Everybody Loves the Sunshine," an all-time favorite of
Tom Browne's fans.
Browne offers a killer trumpet solo that is both hot and cool. Overall, the 22 songs offered on this double-disc set should appeal to most music lovers because of the great talent, song selection, and wonderful array of musical styles. ~ Paula Edelstein