Brian Bromberg - 2004 "Choices"

In his career, Brian Bromberg has recorded bop, fusion, and smooth with equal fluency and creativity on acoustic and electric basses. Choices is somewhat commercial, with funky rhythms, R&B-ish solos, and fade-outs. In general, the solos are more memorable than Bromberg's originals and grooves. While the material is mostly routine, the improvisations of Bromberg and altoist Eric Marienthal are excellent and the musicianship is impressive. But no real surprises occur, making this a lesser and generally easy listening effort by the hugely talented Brian Bromberg.

If you are a fan of bassist jazz then this CD is a superb example of contemporary jazz at its bassiest... Simply put this CD is a rare gem. I was unfamilar with Brian Bromberg, but now I'm an instant fan.. There also are some excellent contributions from some perhaps more popular jazz artists, but Brian stands on his own. This CD should be a part of every Comtemporary jazz fan's collection. How does such good music go underplayed or overlooked... I'd love to see Brain in concert Defintely will check out the rest of his catalog.. I'm hooked.

One of my favorite CDs. A real surprise, this one. Heard a song from it on the radio and took a shot-wow am I glad I did! This guy is now my favorite bass player. You know what you hear is a guitar but don't be too sure what kind, it's just incredible. Everyone I've played it for can't believe their ears. Modern jazz/fusion at its best.

https://jazz-rock-fusion-guitar.blogspot.com/search?q=brian+bromberg

Track listing:

01 Never Give Up
02 Choices
03 Bobblehead
04 Snuggle Up
05 Relentless
06 B Squared
07 Why?
08 Bass Face
09 When I Look In Your Eyes
10 Lazy Afternoon
11 Audubon Park
12 Hear Our Cry

Personnel:

Brian Bromberg - Acoustic Piccolo Bass, Acoustic Bass, Tenor Bass
Jeff Lorber - Keyboards
Eric Marienthal - Alto Sax
Joel Taylor - Drums
Alex Acuna - Percussion
Tom Zink - Keyboards
Dave Kochanski - Keyboards
Gary Meek - Tenor Sax
Billy Armstrong - Trumpet (9)
Dave Ryan - Trombone
Dave Benoit - Piano (10)
Brian Culbertson - Piano (6)
Kelly Moneymaker, Roger Treece, Lisa Fischer - Vocals
David Bromberg - Drums (2)

Strings – Alwyn Wright (tracks: 1, 2, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14), Benedikt Fischer (tracks: 1, 2, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14), Erika Walczak (tracks: 1, 2, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14), Eugene Mechtovich (tracks: 1, 2, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14), J' Anna Jacoby* (tracks: 1, 2, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14), Sarah O'Brien (tracks: 1, 2, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14).