This CD reissues nine of the ten selections that were formerly out on two LPs: The Jack Wilkins Quartet and You Can't Live Without It. The only cut left off is a guitar/piano duet by leader
Jack Wilkins and
Jack DeJohnette. The earlier date features
Wilkins, flugelhornist
Randy Brecker, bassist
Eddie Gomez, and
Jack DeJohnette (on drums for all but one tune). Although they play three group originals, the most memorable performances are their versions of "Falling in Love With Love" and Chick Corea's "500 Miles High." The later session -- which has
Wilkins,
Randy Brecker,
Michael Brecker on tenor, pianist
Phil Markowitz, bassist
Jon Burr, and drummer
Al Foster -- is more of a jam session. The sextet romps through lengthy versions of Tommy Flanagan's "Freight Train," "Invitation," "What Is This Thing Called Love," and the ballad "What's New," and there are many exciting solos. This very enjoyable CD is most highly recommended to listeners who think that
the Brecker Brothers can only play funk. ~ Scott Yanow