Some Skunk Funk [Import]

Randy Brecker | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 18, 2005)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Bhm Records De
• ASIN: B0003HDQVU
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #484,477 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Some Skunk Funk

2. Sponge

3. Shanghigh

4. Wayne Out

5. And Then She Wept

6. Strap-Hangin'

7. Let It Go

8. Freefall

9. Levitate

10. Song for Barry

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Big band funk-bop fusion!, June 27, 2006

By 

C. Morano "mormovies" (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Some Skunk Funk (Hybr) (Audio CD)

This audiophile quality live recording (a SACD hybrid) features Germany's WDR big band ably backing the greatest virtuoso sibling horn players on the planet- Randy (trumpet) and Michael Brecker (tenor sax). Recorded a year before Michael was stricken with a rare illness, this gig captures the brothers blowing over some of their greatest hits from the 70's to the present. The arrangements are hip and make clever use of the wind and brass sections. Bassist Will Lee provides the rumbling deep groove. Check out the DVD of this historic event!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Updating the Past, August 15, 2006

By 

Jim Newsom (Norfolk, VA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Some Skunk Funk (Hybr) (Audio CD)

Through the years, the two Brecker brothers have been among the busiest musicians in the business. Still, they've reunited from time to time to explore new directions and occasionally to revisit those exciting early days. In November, 2003, they traveled to Koln, Germany for a concert with the WDR Big Band and a rhythm section including old pals Will Lee and drummer Peter Erskine. The performance was released a few weeks ago as Some Skunk Funk.

Drawing from a setlist heavy on Brecker Brothers classics with a few of Randy's recent compositions thrown in for good measure, this disc shows that jazz and funk can still be fused together for a fresh, inspired 21st century sound. Wrapped in the phat arrangements of conductor Vince Mendoza, the songs cook with the added intensity of the WDR's fourteen-piece horn section. The solos are masterful, the Brecker boys giving lessons in improvisational musicality and virtuosity.

Besides the strength of the music itself, this recording has extra poignancy--Michael Brecker was diagnosed early last year with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a rare blood cancer also known as "pre-leukemia" for which the treatment is a bone marrow transplant from someone with a similar genetic background. When no matching donors could be found, he underwent an experimental blood stem cell transplant that, according to his website, "did not work as hoped." He is, however, currently leukemia-free and recuperating from his treatments

Originally published in Port Folio Weekly, 8/8/06.
Copyright 2006 Jim Newsom/Port Folio Weekly. All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Brecker's never cease to amaze, April 8, 2007

By 

Pete C. "Prog-Pete" (Raleigh, NC USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Some Skunk Funk (Hybr) (Audio CD)

This is a great live album with superior playing all around as well as sound. This is a must for anyone who loves the passion in the live performance. As usual, the songs performed are groovy as well as funky. They are also soulful and full of feeling. Between Randy's trumpet and Michael's Sax, they create the entire rythm and emotion of these songs.

Sadly Michael Brecker is no longer with us, but his music will always be a positive statement toward all his accomplishments. The man was a brilliant saxaphone player, who not only gave us his own music, but played with just about everybody. The man was and is simply unforgettable.

The ending of this disc is what sealed the deal for me. The track "levitate" is a Randy Brecker piece which is slow, moody and extremely emotional. It's the quietest piece on the disc. Incredible trumpet playing. In my opinion, the last track "SONG FOR BARRY" is one of the best live performances ever. My passion is live performances and I have a list of my favorites that run the gamut from The Allman's to Dire Straits to King crimson. "SONG FOR BARRY" is what makes this disc. This song has all the elements:it builds and builds and then explodes into an incredible ending-the solos are amazing-the passion is proven.

All in all, great concert performance. The last track is worth every listen. This will rank up there in my list of all-time greatest live performances.