Jeff Lorber
he Had A Hat
(Narada Jazz/Blue Note)
By A. Scott Galloway

Since his 1978 debut with his original quartet The Jeff Lorber Fusion, this Philadelphia native has been a purveyor of soul-jazz sounds. He was key in introducing both Kenny G and Karyn White to the game. 18 albums later, he has just released his first project under the legendary Blue Note umbrella, titled He Had a Hat (the punch line of a Borscht Belt joke). Fittingly, the project finds Lorber changing up his routine in the company of some all-star talent. The CD’s producer Bobby Colomby convinced Lorber to rely less on groove and to delve deeper into harmonic movement. The result is an album that features a few expansive pieces such as “Anthem for a New America” and “Orchid” (featuring Chris Botti on trumpet). However, Lorber can never totally forgo funk and delivers with “ Hudson ” which recalls vintage JLF. Singer Eric Benet, a longtime friend, sings a cover of Bill Withers’ Grandma’s Hands” and a duet with Paula Cole titled “The Other Side of the Heart.” Other musicians include Gerald Albright, Tom Scott, Kirk Whalum, Paul Jackson Jr., Abraham Laboriel and Brian Bromberg (on whose latest CD, Downright Upright, Jeff returns the favor).