BeatleJazz: With a Little Help from Our Friends

Michael Brecker soars spiritually on "Working Class Hero," with strong ties to the memory of John Coltrane. Randy Brecker weaves a pleasant muted thread through "Imagine" that honors the memory of Miles. Similarly, Mike Stern and John Scofield each contribute two features that combine mainstream jazz with the Beatles' popular appeal. Throughout their performance, David Kikoski and his trio ooze with fresh sounds that put the leading edge in modern mainstream jazz.

"Strawberry Fields Forever" moves slowly with deep expression as Kikoski's piano interprets the song artfully. There's a strong sense of majesty to it. Bass and drums add a dimension of power that won't let go. Both of Stern's features pump a blues feeling into their interpretations. His expressive guitar weeps like no other as he works with BeatleJazz to unleash the feelings that have come to us with these familiar songs.

"Lovely Rita" swings with a timeless, foot-tappin' energy that surrounds its landscape with straight-ahead jazz celebrations. It's a happy song, and the trio gives it an appropriate celebratory note. "The End" surges forward with a positive message. Recall that its original lyrics remind you that "In the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make."

BeatleJazz gives the song an upbeat palette that colors the day with glowing thoughts and bright sunshine. We need a little help from our friends to maintain that kind of a disposition day after day. Our true friends are real people and real music.

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