Listeners expecting the music on this CD to be similar to
Bob Brookmeyer's jazz records of the 1950s will be surprised. The emphasis here is not on
Brookmeyer's valve trombone playing (which is barely heard other than on "No Song" and "The Crystal Palace") but on his very adventurous writing for an electronic group (with guitarist
John Abercrombie and two keyboard players) and the horns of
the WDR Big Band. The six originals are essentially mood music, setting up atmospheres that develop slowly and are occasionally explosive, particularly when Abercrombie stretches out. This well played and creative music is easier to respect than to love. ~ Scott Yanow