Jeff Lorber Fusion

Although the title of the new recording from impromptu trio Jeff Lorber, Chuck Loeb and Everette Harp is ‘Jazz Funk Soul’, what it actually provides is top-notch jazz-fusion of the sort that aficionados had despaired of ever experiencing again. Make no mistake this is contemporary jazz of the highest order and certainly the most interesting release of the year so far. However, considering the pedigree of those involved this is hardly surprising.

It's a Fact is the first solo album by the jazz musician Jeff Lorber.

With many jazz musicians looking for new musical directions, new ways to express their ideas, every once in a while an album comes along to show that there’s still plenty of life in the older musical ideas. There is still room for creativity in the tried and true. Bop, an album from keyboardist Jeff Lorber, guitarist Chuck Loeb, and an all-star supporting cast including Everette Harp (tenor sax), Harvey Mason (drums), Brian Bromberg (bass), Rick Braun (trumpet/trombone), and Till Brönner (as well as a number of guest artists), is the pudding that proves the point.

Jeff Kashiwa has a fluent if generic style on soprano, alto, and tenor, which fits perfectly into the "feel good" smooth music that he performs on "Peace of Mind." The 11 selections clock in between 3:46 and 5:14 and were clearly recorded with hopes of getting maximum radio airplay. Kashiwa's rhythm section is effective if anonymous (despite the presence of Brian Bromberg on bass) with the focus being almost entirely on the leader's melodic playing.