The Brecker Brothers – Don't stop the music (1977)

I wanted to start my blog with something a little bit different from what I listen to everyday. When I was doing completely random research (pure magic, can’t explain how I did it) I found ‘Don’t stop the music’ by The Brecker Brothers. After first couple notes from “Finger Lickin’ Good” I knew it qualifies as a good place to start my journey. Randy (trumpet, flugelhorn) and Michael (tenor saxophone, flute) Brecker are the masterminds behind that record. With help of many talented musicians album ‘Don’t stop the music’ was born. Going through all seven songs you can easily say The Brecker Brothers put heart and soul in every second. They deliver a lot of good and memorable melodies that can be easily sang or hummed at home/shower/in the car. Songs like “Finger Lickin’ Good” and “Don’t Stop The Music” can put you in the dancing groove. If someone will plan some late 70's disco party, you need to include these two songs! ( it was a little bit hard to calm myself and not start dancing in the centre of my living room!). Songs “As Long As I’ve Got Your Love” and “Petals” can put you in a melancholic mood, ease your mind and, with a sip of your favourite beverage, let you relax. But don’t get scared if you’re looking for full funky style! Even though those songs are in a balladesque tempo they are full of beautiful notes, melodies and solos. “Squids” and “Funky Sea, Funky Dew” (that song was nominated to Grammy for best instrumental R&B song!) give you that bit of introduction for Jazz style that is going on full throttle in “Tabula Rasa”. That last song is my favourite. I've never been a guy who listens to Jazz, maybe because I didn’t understand it when I was younger. But “Tabula Rasa” intrigues me, it took me out of that funky-ballad groove, that previous songs offered and kept my ears in check. Whole album is a bit of sinusoidal style - it  will not overwhelm you with joyful beats, it will not bore you to death with ongoing ballads, and it will not force your hand on a skip button when atmosphere drifts into a bit jazzy and unusual. Cool thing about this record is that, despite only seven songs, it’s a 41 minutes long ride. Randy and Michael keep you interested even when songs are 6/7/8 minutes long, and that is not an easy task to achieve. In conclusion: “Don’t stop the music” is a darn good album, that can be listened by everyone. When you need some positive energy, when you are angry with traffic getting ridiculously long, or when you need to let the stress out after long day at work, The Brecker Brothers prepared something for that 42 years ago.

PS: You can find this album on all most popular music streaming services which is great!