Bob Berg, Randy Brecker, Dennis Chambers, Joey DeFrancesco: The JazzTimes

The all-star band performs hard-hitting, straight-ahead material with nods to Art Blakey, Sonny Rollins, Jack McDuff and Larry Young. Brecker and Berg each wrote three of the session’s tunes, while both DeFrancesco and Bollenback contributed one. Since it’s an organ combo, the Superband needs no bass; DeFrancesco’s bass line is fast and without distinct edges.

Brecker plays his part bright and fluid. He’s at the top of his form. Always taking care to produce a proper sound column, rich in overtones, the trumpeter also plays each number loose and expressive. DeFrancesco is upbeat, always propelling the unit. The organist builds each solo into a fiery peak; quite fast and furious when appropriate. Saxophonist Berg is mellower, respecting a good clear tone, while keeping it round for a loose blues honk. Berg uses the instrument’s full range. His feature role on "Oleo" runs fast and expressive, catching fire at the end of his solo. Bollenback’s work is articulate with attention to tone quality. His solo work remains fluid, while his solid accompaniment plays a key role in the ensemble’s highly successful program. Drummer Dennis Chambers provides clear and crisp coloring. He takes a few drum breaks, but for the most part prefers to steady the unit’s rhythm as a constant force. The JazzTimes® Superband employs a straight-ahead format with innovative solos all around and fours with the drummer. The formula works quite well.

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