Apr 29, 2025 11:53 AM
Vocalist Andy Bey Dies at 85
Singer Andy Bey, who illuminated the jazz scene for five decades with a four-octave range that encompassed a bellowing…
Randy Brecker (left) and Eric Marienthal are set to release Double Dealin’ (Shanachie) on Sept. 11.
(Photo: Courtesy Shanachie)Trumpeter Randy Brecker and saxophonist Eric Marienthal both have led careers that sit at the edge of genre.
Double Dealin’, which is due out Sept. 11 on the Shanachie imprint, finds the frontline bandleaders joined by an inimitable cast, including Marienthal’s compatriots from the Chick Corea Elektric Band, bassist John Patitucci and drummer Dave Weckl. George Whitty doubles as keyboardist and producer here.
“Fast Lane”—a tune off that upcoming album, which premieres below—finds the ensemble in funky form, splitting the difference between each player’s past in jazz and other soulful musics.
“This one gives Dave Weckl and John Patitucci a chance to really shine. They both played so great on this track,” Marienthal said. “Randy plays an absolutely classic solo on this tune, too. I flip out every time I hear it.”
The album, which ranks as Marienthal and Brecker’s first co-led effort, largely was completed prior to COVID-19 shutting down the world, though some fine-tuning came after all involved were cloistered at home.
“When the pandemic hit, the mixing phase was about to begin,” Marienthal recalled. “I have to say, it was a welcome distraction to deep-dive into this music.” DB
“It kind of slows down, but it’s still kind of productive in a way, because you have something that you can be inspired by,” Andy Bey said on a 2019 episode of NPR Jazz Night in America, when he was 80. “The music is always inspiring.”
Apr 29, 2025 11:53 AM
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