Jeff Lorber Fusion: Now Is The Time

by Corey Brown Sunday, June 6th, 2010

Keyboardist Jeff Lorber was among the musicians in the late 1970’s to join the musical movement known as jazz fusion. Lorber later dropped the “fusion” label from his name, because the movement “evolved into what is currently known as contemporary jazz.”

With the release of Now Is The Time, the label is back and with a new line up including bassist Jimmy Haslip (who co-produced the album with Lorber and Bobby Columby), saxophonist Eric Marienthal, trumpeter Randy Brecker, guitarist Paul Jackson Jr., and drummers Vinnie Colaiuta and Dave Weckl.

“We all had a vision of what we wanted this record to be,” says Lorber. “We wanted a return to the sound of the Jeff Lorber Fusion, but informed by everything I’ve learned since then. All of a sudden, people seem to be interested in hearing that again. They’re ready to hear musicians who can really play, really stretch the envelope with their technique, with their songwriting, and with harmonic structure.”

“This record is a clear statement,” he says. “It represents a real musical shift toward something a little jazzier, and a little more exciting. The title has a very positive thrust to it, and it evokes a certain sense of being serious and taking charge.”