Once in a Lifetime

Back in 1967, the careers of both drummer Les DeMerle and trumpeter Randy Brecker were just beginning, and this recently discovered album has the two together along with a rotating team of Lanny Morgan/asfl, Alan Gauvin/as, Terry Plumeri-Jack Greg/b and Genya Ravan/voc. DeMarle is snappy on the snares along with Brecker and Gauvin on Jazz Messenger inspired pieces like "Come Back To Me" and the horns dig in on "Sticks" with DeMerle cracking the whip on "Once In A Lifetime" and the team swaying to the gospel of "Signifyin'". Ravanadds poppish vocals to a souful "On A Clear Day" and a preachy "That's Life" while a One off with Rosemary Clooney on the Mike Douglas TV Show delivers a cozy "Takin' A Chance On Love". Sticks in a time capsule that age well.