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Brian Bromberg: Compared to That

By Larry Taylor
July 16, 2012
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Ever sit back dreamily listening to an album, letting the music wash over you when all of a sudden, you hear a number that snaps you to attention? Such is the experience when listening to Brian Bromberg's Compared to That.

The noteworthy number here: "Hayride," an original by Bromberg. Earlier tracks are hard-edged smooth jazz arrangements. The title track shows off

Jeff Lorber

keyboards
b.1952

" data-original-title="" title="">Jeff Lorber's piano, along with Bromberg's unique work on acoustic bass and hollow body piccolo bass. (Album note, there are no guitar melodies or solos on this recording— only Bromberg on piccolo.) This is followed by "Rory Lowery, Private Eye," which is filled with hot licks punctuated by

Mitchel Forman

keyboards
b.1956

" data-original-title="" title="">Mitchel Forman's piano and

Gary Meek

saxophone
b.1961

" data-original-title="" title="">Gary Meek's tenor. In contrast, the aforementioned, attention grabbing "Hayride," with its country feel and jazz overlay of piccolo bass, banjo and violin results in a boisterous dos- �� -dos called by Bromberg.

In the ten-track set, eight are penned by Bromberg, who leads an eclectic ensemble featuring a ten-piece horn section and at times, the Japenese Rising Sun Orchestra. Standout number "If Ray Brown Was A Cowboy, " pares the musicians down to three,

Tom Zink

piano

" data-original-title="" title="">Tom Zink on piano,

Vinnie Colaiuta

drums
b.1956

" data-original-title="" title="">Vinnie Colaiuta on drums, and Bromberg on acoustic bass. It's a tasty piece, with a low-down funky flavor.

The two covers, Chicago's "Does Anybody Ever Really Know What Time It Is" and

Derrick James

saxophone

" data-original-title="" title="">Derrick James's "Give It To Me Baby" are reworked with large ensembles in swinging, finger-popping fashion, conclusively proving that Bromberg is a jazzman for all seasons.

Compared to That is wide ranging but the direction is straight-ahead and down-the-middle...occasionally edging to the passing lane.

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Track Listing

Compared To That; Rory Lowery, Private Eye; If Ray Brown Was A Cowboy?; Hayride; A Little New Old School; Forgiveness; Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?;I��m Just Sayin��;The Eclipse; Give It To Me Baby.

Personnel

Brian Bromberg

bass

Brian Bromberg: Acoustic, electric, acoustic piccolo bass; Ginnie Coliuta: drums (all tracks except 6); Alex Acuna: percussion (1, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10); Jeff Lorber: piano (1, 5); Gary Meek: tenor sax (1, 2, 5, 7, 8, 10); Randy Brecker: trumpet, fluegelhorn (5, 8, 9); Tom Zink: piano (3, 6, 7, 10); Mitch Forman: piano (2, 4); Bela Fleck: banjo (4); Charlie Bishirat: Violin (4); Gannin Arnold: rhythm guitar (5); Larry Goldings: Hammond B3 organ (7); George Duke: piano (9); Horn section: Willie Murillo: trumpet; Tony Guerrero: trumpet; Mark Visher: alto sax, baritone Sax; Vince Trombetta: tenor sax: Jason Thor: trombone (1, 2, 5, 7, 10); Rising Sun Orchestra (4, 6).

Album information

Title: Compared to That | Year Released: 2012 | Record Label: Mack Avenue Records

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