Trumpeter Randy Brecker and saxophonist Eric Marienthal have come together for a collaborative record called Double Dealin’.
Coming in September, Double Dealin’ promises to be “uplifting and filled with great vibes and fun beats,” says Brecker, adding: “I hope it takes everyone’s mind off our current problems and I hope people just groove with it and forget about everything else for a while.”
The album’s announcement included a sneak peek of what’s in store, as the duo has shared the album’s title track, which kicks off the pair’s presentation of 10 original compositions. It’s an upbeat, funky tune featuring blazing solos by both instrumentalists.
Brecker has been a prominent player in jazz and beyond for more than half a century, thanks to his work with Blood, Sweat & Tears, Horace Silver, Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, Steely Dan, Bruce Springsteen, Parliament-Funkadelic and the Brecker Brothers, with his late brother Michael Brecker. He’s performed on more than 150 albums and received seven Grammy Awards to date. Marienthal has a distinguished career of his own, captivating audiences alongside Chick Corea, Patti Austin, Lee Ritenour, Elton John, Billy Joel, Stevie Wonder and more.
The pair have performed together in the past, but this is their first co-led recording. The two musicians have been friends on and off the stage for many years and were thrilled to work on a project together.
“We dig each other’s playing and personalities,” says Brecker.
“Besides being one of the world’s great musicians and trumpet players, Randy is a very open and cool guy,” Marienthal adds. “Getting to play with Randy is like getting to make a pizza with Mario Batali. You just know that no matter what you do it’s going to end up being great.”
Double Dealin’ will be released Sept. 11 via Shanachie.
“This album is a rarity — funky and brilliant at the same time,” says the record label’s Danny Weiss. “One plus one equals five with these two jazz giants.”