Once upon a time the music world was inundated with “supergroups” across all sort of genres – from pop to classical and from soul to jazz. You know the sort of things – well-known names joining up with other “names” to make a new music (and a few bucks en route!)
Well, it’s good to know that the supergroup concept is alive and well – at least in the world of smooth jazz. May we present “BPM” – B = Grammy-nominated and hit-making bassist Brian Bromberg; P = two-time Grammy- winning guitarist and producer Paul Brown; M = chart-topping sax man Michael Paulo. The three players have here come together to deliver a contemporary spin on smooth jazz. Brown explains the vision: “To make the record we all have wanted to record after 30 plus years of making records. We have no constraints or have anything to prove. The music is just solid and from the heart.” It seems that the trio first played together in Punta Mita, Mexico and Bromberg reveals that getting into the studio to cut a record was no-brainer: “I wanted Brian in the band because I was so impressed with his playing and compositions. It’s nice to have someone that can blow the roof off when he solos. Michael is just a great all-around player who has exceptional stage presence.” The result is this just out 10 tracker, ‘Seriously’.
As you can probably guess, the music is classy, slick, professional, polished smooth jazz and despite track titles like ‘Breakfast In Bed’, ‘Don’t Look Back’ and ‘Black Pearl’ all the material is original. Indeed we’re told that this ‘Black Pearl’ far from being the Sonny Charles and the Checkmates classic was inspired by the legacy of Weather Report and the Grateful Dead! You can maybe see where BPM are coming from. FYI, BPM’s ‘Black Pearl’ is a lazy, ethereal meander with guest input from pianist Tom Schuman (who also composed the tune).
‘You’re All I Need’ and ‘Nice And slow’ are laid back too, but calling themselves BPM, you’d expect the guy to swing and that’s just what they do on cuts like ‘Eastside Party’, ‘Grid Lock’ and the funky, bass heavy ‘slip And Slide’ – all three, consummate smooth jazz. Indeed – that the best way to describe the whole album but would you expect anything less from this trio?
(BB) 3/5
