Will and Rainbow: Over Crystal Green

In 1976, a fusion band called Rainbow featuring pianist Will Boulware recorded an album entitled Crystal Green, which included saxophonist Michael Brecker, trumpeter Randy Brecker, and drummer Steve Gadd. In 2002, Boulware, the Brecker brothers and Gadd-along with the late saxophonist Bob Berg and bassist Will Lee-reconvened in a New York studio to record Over Crystal Green (441) under the group name Will & Rainbow. The album proves that the intervening years have clearly not diminished their rapport.

Michael Brecker leads the band through a dynamic interpretation of Bill Evans’ “Waltz for Debby,” and his brother turns in a lyrical trumpet solo on the ballad “I’ll Fly Away.” Berg and the ensemble explore inventive ways of presenting “Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight,” while “Scenery” opens with a beautiful piano solo from Boulware, and then Berg delivers a swirling, rapid-fire, sometimes dizzying, performance. Over Crystal Green is a great example of deep musical connections from outstanding musicians.

Originally Published May 1, 2004