‘Under The Sun’ by keyboard player Patrick Bradley signals a return to his jazz fusion roots and with eleven all original compositions plus a wonderful line-up of supporting musicians, the entire project shimmers with a groove that is entirely pleasing. In fact the calibre of those involved is quite remarkable. The always excellent Jeff Lorber plays Rhodes throughout, duties on drums are shared between Tony Moore and Dave Weckl, Alex Al is on bass whereas Dwight Sills and Michael Thompson variously take the strain on guitar. Not only that, with guest performances from Dave Koz, Rick Braun and Eric Marienthal ‘Under The Sun’ represents a real ‘who’s who’ of the best that contemporary jazz has to offer.
The project strikes a fine balance between highlighting the performing and songwriting talents of Bradley while providing the space for this enormously gifted cast of musicians to flourish. The mid tempo Latin tinged swagger of the title cut is a case in point where the duelling keyboards of Bradley and Lorber are outstanding whilst elsewhere ‘Time and Chance’ is a feisty fusion orientated track that near its end is invigorated by the fabulous horn arrangements of David Mann.
In fact Mann leaves his mark often and none more so than with the CD’s opening number, ‘Straight Path’, for which an easy grooving lilt and Bradley’s dazzling keys really gets the job done. Great keys from both Bradley and Lorber combined with more sparkling horn arrangements are key components the intense ‘A Message’ and although the reflective ‘Tears from the Sky’ represents a soothing change of pace, ‘Rush Street’ glows with more of Bradley’s tight streetwise playing.
Bradley cites Rick Wakeman as one of his influences and the expansive ‘The Empress of Dalmatia’ with its overtones of the 70’s concept album makes it easy to see why yet, when he slips closer to fusion territory, the mid tempo ‘Crows On The Lawn’ is afforded an extra dimension by cool alto sax from the consistently good Eric Marinethal. Rick Braun’s jazzy trumpet and smoky flugelhorn add hugely to the fusion scented ‘Slipstream’ whereas the warmly rhythmic ‘Into The Sunset’ is arguably the most commercial track that ‘Under The Sun’ has to offer. It is already a firm personal favourite yet the star quality of Dave Koz (who takes the lead for ‘Just Let Go’) should ensure that this is another tune that enjoys ample exposure. Co-written with Lorber, and with sultry vocals from Irene B, it’s a song that shows off the more chilled out side of Bradley’s musical persona and much like the entire collection is sure to do well.
‘Under The Sun’ will be released on April 26. For more go to www.patrickbradley.net