CD Review – Jeff Lorber Fusion
Galaxy
Heads Up International
From the man who helped create the “jazz fusion” genre comes another dynamite album that proves why he is a master at the genre he created. Since 1977, Lorber (both solo and with his Fusion) has been releasing some of the most innovative sounds around, culminating in a Grammy-nomination on his last album “Now is the Time.” This time, he takes all 11 tracks and cranks the energy up from the seven-minute opener “Live Wire” to the closer “The Underground” (which features a stellar Randy Brecker), the Jeff Lorber Fusion are firing on all cylinders.
I have to admit, this entire genre sounds like something you’d hear in a hotel lobby, or when you’re on hold while waiting for that corporation to pay attention to you. It’s not my thing. What I do know, however, is that Jeff Lorber (and his Fusion) just keeps adding to his legend. Mashing R&B, rock, funk and a hint of electronica onto a bed of jazz, Lorber and the crew have made leisure music even people like me can enjoy.