An odd, enjoyable and admirably eclectic compilation, 1994's
Brotherhood brings together eight jazz and soul tracks from artists not normally associated with each other, and manages to make the results hang together cohesively as an album by illuminating the common threads in these disparate styles. From the standout opener,
Sun Ra's 1978 astral post-bop workout "Where Pathways Meet" (featuring some terrific growling reeds), to the Latin funk Hammond B3 and wah-wah groove "Hector" by the Village Callers that closes the disc, this is 40-plus minutes of solid grooves and tricky rhythms. Highlights include another killer Hammond organ track,
Bobby Forrester's "Uncle Funky," a mighty piece of '60s soul-jazz, and the hypnotic Brazilian groove of
Viva Brazil's "Ronco da Cuica." The closest thing to a low point is
Elliott Fisher's fusiony violin-led take on
the Isley Brothers' funk classic "For the Love of Money," which is merely ordinary.