Tracklisting:
This Is Your Brain On Jazz
Runaway Train
Emerill Kicks It Up
Everybody Knows You When Youre Up & In
Heart Of A Child
Liebman On A Jet Plane
Pale Glider
Reggae Ricardo
A Place Of Know
Few would debate electric bassist/clinician, Jeff Berlins significance among the post-Jaco soloists in jazz and fusion. With his third solo effort, amid numerous endeavors with players such as guitarist George Benson, drummer Tony Williams, The Brecker Brothers, flutist Herbie Mann and many others of note, the monster bassist summons an all-star cast for his latest jazz-based project.
Berlin gets on track in a heated flurry on the opener titled, This Is Your Brain On Jazz as the bassist infuses amazingly fast and tightly integrated Bop-ish themes atop acoustic bassist Richard Drexlers rapidly executed walking lines and drummer Danny Gottliebs swinging pulse. Here, famed vibist Gary Burton tops off the fervent proceedings via his now infamous four-mallet technique. - Guitarist Mike Stern exhibits his customary crash and burn style chops during Runaway Train, while soprano saxophonist Dave Liebman also generates some excitement in concert with Berlins buoyant attack and multipurpose rhythmic underpinnings.
Essentially, Berlin and associates impart a festive disposition during these largely high-octane works, however the bossa-nova tinged, Pale Glider offers little more than a soothing intermission to the often vigorous proceedings as the musicians reenergize their batteries on the Tower of Power-like funk/groove piece, Reggae Ricardo. Simply stated, In Harmonys Way is all about groovin in the fast lane. Recommended.