ProJazz.net

Time Is of the Essence is Michael Brecker‘s sixth album as a leader. It was recorded at the Power Station and Right Track in New York City. The record is notable for guitarist Pat Metheny’s strong presence and three outstanding drummers- Jeff “Tain” Watts, Bill Stewart and the legendary Elvin Jones- who each play on separate tracks.

Reception

Michael Brecker introduced a couple of new wrinkles to his sound on his sixth album, in the form of two new sidemen. Larry Goldings’ organ makes for an unusual quartet — also including Brecker on tenor sax, frequent guest Pat Metheny on guitar, and one of three different drummers — in that there is no bass. As a result, Metheny often fills in that role when he isn’ t soloing. Goldings’ touch is light, in contrast to the more intense playing of Brecker and Metheny. But it is the second new sideman who makes a difference: Elvin Jones guests on drums on three tracks. Brecker had never shied away from announcing his influences, and with Jones behind the traps, especially on the opening track, “Arc of the Pendulum,” and the closer, “Outrance” (both Brecker originals), he indulges his affection for John Coltrane, playing freely and aggressively across the rhythm. Jones, who gets a showcase solo in “Outrance,” is unmistakable, and his support often makes Brecker sound like Coltrane. With Bill Stewart behind the drums, the group performs “Renaissance Man,” a tribute to another major Brecker influence, Eddie Harris, and Brecker unabashedly recalls Harris there. The tunes, five by Brecker, two by Metheny, and one each by Goldings and producer George Whitty, are loosely structured and run from six to ten minutes each, so that the disc runs 70 minutes. Clearly, they could have gone longer: Several of them fade out, sometimes during a Brecker or Metheny solo, an oddity on a jazz album (William Ruhlmann/AllMusic).

Track listing
All tracks composed by Michael Brecker, except where indicated.

1. “Arc of the Pendulum” 8:59
2. “Sound Off” Larry Goldings 6:05
3. “Half Past Late” 6:06
4. “Timeline” Pat Metheny 6:06
5. “The Morning of This Night” 7:41
6. “Renaissance Man (for Eddie Harris)” George Whitty 8:34
7. “Dr. Slate” 7:39
8. “As I Am” Pat Metheny 6:48
9. “Outrance” 10:07

Personnel
Michael Brecker – tenor saxophone
Larry Goldings – organ
Pat Metheny – guitars
Elvin Jones – drums (tracks 1, 4, 9)
Jeff “Tain” Watts – drums (tracks 2, 5, 7)
Bill Stewart – drums (tracks 3, 6, 8)

___________________

Released: October 1999
Recorded: 1999
Studios:
Avatar (New York, New York)
Right Track (New York, New York)
Length: 69:31
Label: Verve
Producer: George Whitty