Chuck Tumlinson, reporter

Randy Brecker is one the true treasures in the jazz trumpet world. He is well known for his many associations in many genres of jazz such as the Horace Silver Quintet, Charles Mingus (and subsequent tribute bands), and The Brecker Brothers, which he co-led with his brother Michael. He has thoroughly absorbed the tradition of the jazz trumpet and added his own unique, easily identifiable stamp. He offers a strong personality and sense of humor to anything he plays. His concert at the conference was strong evidence of this. The Rowan Faculty Jazz Combo joined him with a program of familiar jazz standards.

The first tune was On Green Dolphin Street. Brecker's solo displayed lyricism with flowing, effortless bop lines that occasionally weaved inside and outside the changes. The others soloists responded in similar fashion.

Body and Soul was a strong highlight, where Brecker demonstrated beautiful and quirky lines with effective use of drama in his variety with articulation, dynamics, and range. In Invitation, his use of space let the rhythm section in on the “conversation,” which also set up his own striking rhythmic ideas. While Brecker's tone was generally full, resonant and clear, he occasionally incorporated a slight distortion for dramatic effect in this tune. Brecker alluded to the feel of a light classic waltz in Freddie Hubbard's Up Jumped Spring. Blue Bossa and the closer Softly as in a Morning Sunrise rounded out the program.

The “other” trumpet player, George Rabbai was also very impressive. Worth mentioning is the effort made by him and Mr. Brecker to offer contrasting timbres. When one played trumpet, the other would generally play flugelhorn. Rabbai even played one solo in bucket mute, a rare solo color anymore.

Dennis DiBlasio, the director of the Maynard Ferguson Jazz Program at Rowan, offered good use of space and good solo building techniques. Knowing his audience, he alluded to the Clarke second study during On Green Dolphin Street. Pianist George Genna was strong throughout, though occasionally a bit difficult to hear. Bassist Douglas Mapp was a tremendous soloist with a strong feel. Drummer Jim Miller offered a variety of colors and feels and communicated effectively with all the soloists.

It is always enjoyable to hear Randy Brecker perform and this was no exception. This was a strong, mainstream jazz performance and offered us lessons in communication, humor, and facility.