Tales From The Hudson is Brecker’s strongest album as leader so far, demonstrating as it does a focus and unity which was absent from his two overrated earlier outings for Impulse. Where the latter were diluted by electronic elements and rather misguided attempts at innovation, this has Brecker concentrating on what he does best in a straightahead setting – building on the achievements of the tonal saxophone masters of the sixties.
Although he heads the date, supplies such serviceable vehicles as Slings And Arrows, African Skies and Cabin Fever and presumably had a hand in the arrangements, it is as an improviser, as ever, that Brecker scores highest. Indeed, this record seems to show yet further expansion of an already full expressive palette. Brecker names Coltrane among the many ‘wonderful saxophonists’ who have inspired him, and that longstanding influence is evident in many tunes here, but Joey Calderazzo’s ambling minor lament Midnight Voyage draws a less typical solo from the leader, his relaxed, rolling delivery conjuring an image of Dexter Gordon and Wayne Shorter combined.
However, while Brecker is assured and creative at almost all times (the rather grey ballad Naked Soul does have its dull moments), it should not be forgotten that his associates are similarly adept. As accompanists they shadow the leader’s moves with great sensitivity and imagination and there are excellent solos from Calderazzo, Tyner and Metheny, the latter unpacking his rather unattractive viola-cum-trumpet guitar synth only on his own excellent composition Song For Bilbao.
All in all another fine dose of embarrassment for those who have persistently dismissed Brecker as a studio automaton.
Discography
Slings And Arrows; Midnight Voyage; Song For Bilbao; Beau Rivage; African Skies; Introduction To Naked Soul; Naked Soul; Willie T; Cabin Fever (60.26)
Collective personnel: Brecker (ts|; Pat Metheny (g, gsyn); Joey Calderazzo, McCoy Tyner (p); Dave Holland (b); Jack DeJohnette (d); Don Alias (pc). NYC, c. 1996.
(Impulse IMP 11912)
