There is a real surprise here in the cover of Frank Zappa's "King Kong," with guest Jean-Luc Ponty on violin. While its pulse is kept by Haslip and expanded by Colaiuta, the complex lyric sets up terrific solos by Mann, Lorber, and Koonse. "Solar Wind," featuring guest Larry Koonse on guitar, is a fine example of Lorber's current obsession with intricate composition. and Michael Thompson, horn players Eric Marienthal and David Mann, and percussionist Lenny Castro. There are a slew of studio regulars here to boot, including guitarists Paul Jackson, Jr. Co-produced by Lorber and bassist Jimmy Haslip, the trio is rounded out by drummer Vinnie Colaiuta. I can't see this CD being bettered by anyone for some time.Hacienda is the third volume in the Jeff Lorber Fusion's revisioning of the music they began with in the late '70s and early '80s, with a 21st century twist. Need I say anymore? - Lorber has raised the bar and set the standard again for the rest of the Jazz field to follow. "Enchanted Way" closes the set and is a 70s influenced piece of Jazz Funk - Meek & Mann on saxes. It's almost like a studio after hours jam and is a real departure from the furious tempo of the much sampled original tune. "Tune 88" is a remake of the old classic but done in a very accoustic style - only Lorber on piano with Alex Al and Castro completing the line up. Great trumpet also combining superbly with Lorber's piano.
"Bombay Cafe" is another mid tempo workout featuring Meek & Mann on Saxes. "Angel in Paris" is slow to mid tempo and features that Cello again with subtle trumpet from Ron King - beautiful. "Sun Ra" is a reggae inspired tune which is again heavy on the bass and a real joyful driving song Great guitar and rhodes combination in places. "Santa Monica Triangle" - has a skipping, almost Ska like beat with Lorber playing rhodes over it. "Flipside" is a remake? of "Uncle Darrows" (Philly Style) but with a real funky bass line and 70s sounding horn section "By my side" is fast becoming my favourite track - its just a beautiful song along the lines of "When she smiles" (Philly Style) and features Cello fills which make the tune. Next the uptempo "Everybody Knows That" - really heavy bass sound and nice sax/piano combination on the chorus section.
We start off with the current single "Ooh La La" which is a midtempo showcase for Lorber and Castro's great percussive sound. This CD isn't as immediate as Jeff's previous outings and that's a good thing in my opinion because you are forced to listen and that's when you discover the magic. You get 10 tracks of pure genius, the instrumentation and clarity of production is out of this world. That's where the usual stops because this CD is just so superior to anything that has gone before. New name to me Nelson Jackson also features on keys and songwriting duties. You also get appearances from David Mann, Paul Jackson, JR & Robbie Nevill. The usual Lorber crew are all here - Co-production by Steven Dubin, Lenny Castro on percussion, John Roberts on drums, Alex Al on bass (only 2 tracks though,) Gary Meek on flute and saxes.
I've had this pre-ordered for 2 months now and counted the days off - well let me tell you it was worth waiting for. UPS delivery and this Masterpiece arrives. Picture the scene - it's a cold, wet and windy day here in the UK and I'm really down. 943 downloads at 22 mb/s Artist: Jeff Lorber