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Bill Evans / Randy Brecker: Soul Bop Band Live
ByWith Evans on tenor and soprano sax and Brecker on trumpet and vocals, this group is on fire from the first note of Evans' "Rattletrap, the first track of the two-disc set Soul bop Band Live. While the leaders are in the spotlight, the sidemen steal the show. Bailey's bass, Bullock's rhythm guitar and Smith's two-bass drum kit give this opener some extra sizzle. Brecker's "Above & Below gives the band plenty of room to stretch out. While Evans and Brecker sizzle on their respective instruments, Bailey and Smith are in zones of their own, keeping the unit tight while expressing individual freedoms. Kikoski adds a high-energy piano solo. Though it runs over eleven minutes, this track never drags.
Disc one closes with the Brecker Brothers' classic "Some Skunk Funk and Bullock's "Greed. The former features Bailey in a stunning electric bass solo. The latter is a blues-rock anthem from Bullock's Try Livin' It (ESC, 2003). Brecker takes off on a blistering solo while the other players hold the rhythm. Bullock delivers a solo of his own later, setting up a sizzling ending.
Disc two offers more of the same. Evans and Brecker are the featured performers, but Bullock, Bailey, Smith and Kikoski get their licks in, too. Kikoski really shows out on Evans' "Cool Eddie, one of the more playful songs in this set. Smith gives the toms a workout while Evans and Brecker light things up on "Mixed Grill. On the final track, "Dixie Bop, Bailey treats us to high-speed, deep bass solo. Through it all, there's a strong sense of a group approach, although each player is given plenty of freedom to ad lib.
Recorded during the group's 2004 European tour, Soul Bop Band Live is a stunning collection of songs that represent some of the best work by Evans, Brecker and Bullock. Capturing their many moods and combining their cohesive talents, it packs more than two hours of high-energy music that's sure to put a smile on your face.
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Track Listing
CD1: Rattletrap; Big Fun; Above & Below; Let
Personnel
Bill Evans
pianoRandy Brecker: trumpet, vocals; Bill Evans: tenor and soprano saxophone; Hiram Bullock: guitar, vocals; David Kikoski: keyboards; Victor Bailey: bass; Steve Smith: drums.
Album information
Title: Soul Bop Band Live | Year Released: 2006 | Record Label: BHM Productions