Brecker Big Band magic "Some Skunk Funk" DVD review

I have always had a weakness for powerful rock and fusion concerts - I'm talking everything from Dream Theater, Tribal Tech to Chick Corea and Mike Stern. Big bands have never really featured as my favourite cup of tea. Yes, I have a few big band albums but generally wouldn't go out of my way to purchase new albums. This hopefully puts into context my next statement: "Some Skunk Funk" Live at Leverkusener Jazztage is the best live DVD I have in my 50 plus DVD concert collection. I know why I play this DVD again and again. The musicianship is outstanding, the compositions stirring and exciting, the recording brilliant - both visuals and audio.


Wow, this is better than what I'd ever have imagined. This kicks serious DTS system butt. Play this loudly and experience the glory of a big band in full flight. The all enveloping sound of the WDR Big Band (Cologne - Germany) conducted by Vince Mendoza has a world class reputation but when combined with the legends, Randy and Michael Brecker - then you know you are in for a joyous ride.


This concert won the Grammy Award 2007 for Best Large Jazz ensemble album and Best Instrumental solo. The concert was an 11 November 2003 celebration for Randy Brecker's music (although he uses mainly compositions from the Brecker Brothers songbook both early and reunion years). Randy has longtime friends Will Lee on bass, Jim Beard on piano and Peter Erskine on drums.


At first I was disappointed that dear brother Michael didn't play on every track - but this allows for an anticipation when he does join in. I must admit that I still get emotional when I see the brothers play with such synchronicity. Michael's passing has left a huge vaccuum so to hear him here playing at the peak of his career ripping into "Some Skunk Funk" and the finale "Song for Barry" is breath taking. I can only hope that there are still other stellar recordings of Michael playing live that are still to be released. If not, then this is also an historic recording.


There is so much to like about this DVD. The film editing is superb as the camera pans perfectly to catch an Erskine fill, or to see Mr Long thumb Lee popping and jumping on bass. These guys were sure energetic and enthusiastic that night! Randy commands on trumpet and grows stronger as the night progresses. I loved his exploratory solos that showed an edginess inspite of the pressure of the occasion. He humbly allows his brother to join in the limelight and the result is an incredible perfomance that finishes much too soon (70 precious minutes of sublime concert power).


My highest recommendation.