Jeff Lorber
He Had A Hat
Narada Jazz

I know, I know. It's really easy to never forgive keyboardist Jeff Lorber for the simple act of hiring Kenny G and setting him on his path of musical ennui. This disc shows that he has repented of his sins. Besides, he never really jumped onto the "smooth" jazz label; he's the one who really pioneered the "Contemporary Adult Music" label before it morphed into you-know-what jazz. This disc, which includes some of the best session musicians, as well as Russell Malone, Tom Scott and Chris Botti, includes some real swinging and driving music, as well as accessible jazz with well arranged horn work. "Surreptitious" , with Randy Brecker's warm trumpet work and Dave Weckl's drums, blends with the Blood Sweat and Tears horn section for some hard driving fusion. "All Most Blues" has some hard bop rhythm work with inspiring alto work by Tom Scott. Russell Malone warms his chops with bassist Alex Al on the snappy "Burn Brightly." All throughout the ear friendly disc, Lorber's keyboard work is contemporary and energetic. It's encouraging to hear a friendly name from the past is still able to deliver the goods.

-George W. Harris