Search - David Becker :: Third Time Around

Joe M. (Jmart) from JOHNSON CITY, TN
Reviewed on 3/17/2007...

Some of the most rewarding fusion of the late 1980s and early 1990s came from the David Becker Tribune, a band that occupied what could be considered a healthy middle ground in the electric jazz realm. Like the albums of the Pat Metheny Group, Third Time Around favors a very melodic and accessible blend of jazz, pop and rock that isn't as forceful as Scott Henderson & Tribal Tech but has a lot more bite, substance and imagination than the sort of lightweight fluff that was dominating new adult contemporary (NAC) radio at the time. When guitarist Becker and his associates (who include bassist Bob Mair and drummer/brother Bruce Becker) treat us to such original material as the thoughtful "Rios," the lively "Drivin' Home" and the Asian-influenced "Despasar," you're hearing a band that had a lot of heart as well as a lot of creativity. Third Time Around is a disc that fusion enthusiasts should make a point of obtaining.

Plenty of solid music undermined by a few lapses

loce_the_wizard | Lilburn, GA USA | 04/26/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

""Third Time Around," along with "Siberian Express," captures the better moments from the David Becker Tribunes early '90s output. This band often draws favorable comparisons to the Pat Metheny Group. Certainly Mr. Becker hits a tone and stride not unlike Mr. Metheny does on some of his earlier works, but the Bruce Becker's solid drumming also evokes comparison to Danny Gottlieb's playing on those same Pat Metheny Group sessions. Playing as a quartet on this outing, the David Becker Tribune delivers a full, layered recording, brimming with energy on tracks such as Rios and Drivin' Home or capturing the emotions of the moment in Farewell. Mr. Becker offers some nice twists on Denpasar, making his guitar sound like a sitar in spots and the extra percussion from Gary Gardner keeps matters interesting. The short but ripping track Wallofguitar offers a great showcase for Mr. Becker to solo. The one downside to the session is an overdependence on synthesizers in places. One song, With You in Mind, collapses under the artificial sweetness of too much midi, and several other tracks suffer this same malady in spots. Those lapses keep this session from meriting a four star rating."