In an unusual but exciting move, Grammy-nominated bassist BRIAN BROMBERG is set to release three uniquely different albums in six weeks. The first collection is out at the start of June. ‘Compared To That’ was recorded live in just two days and features guest appearances from (amongst others) ALEX ACUNA, RANDY BRECKER, VINNIE COLAIUTA, JEFF LORBER and GEORGE DUKE. A ten piece horns section and full orchestra add to the swinging feel of the music – most apparent on a great cover of ‘Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?’ (a song often associated with CHICAGO, though soul fans will fondly remember J J JACKSON’S outstanding version). The set’s other big cover is a take on RICK JAMES’ ‘Give It To Me’ – quite transformed by BROMBERG’S innovative walking bass lines. Label for this one is Artistry/Mack Avenue.
July sees the same label issue two more BROMBERG sets – both tributes to music legends and both quite different. First up is ‘Bromberg Plays Hendrix’ – a ten tracker homage to the guitar legend and, unusually, the recording is guitar less! On the album there’s just BROMBERG’S bass and VINNIE COLAIUTA’S drums – making for interesting and unusual renditions of stuff like ‘The Wind Cries Mary’ and ‘Hey Joe’.
BROMBERG’S third release is different again. Featuring a full band, ‘In The Spirit Of Jobim’ is an unashamed tribute to the music of the Latin legend and features songs like ‘One Note Samba’, ‘Little Tune’, ‘Ray Of Sunshine’ and, naturally, ‘The Girl From Ipanema’. With vocals from AIRTO, the set underlines BROMBERG’S huge versatility.
Eagle-eyed jazz fans will, of course, know that both the “tribute” albums have been out before – but they were only available in Asian territories. BROMBERG has now re-cut, remixed and remastered them as they become available worldwide.
Find out more @ www.brianbromberg.net
