Fattburger - Work To Do! (2004)

Nearly two decades into serving up some of the fattest, juiciest smooth jazz platters in town, Fattburger return with a record most definitely on par with 2003's Sizzlin'. Surrendering altogether to the world of crossover jazz, the gang reinterprets the Isley Brothers' classic "Work to Do" with great sensitivity to the original composition. From there, things turn to the comfortably predictable fusion that their audience has come to expect and demand. The album is soaked with virtuosic musicianship and is unquestionably polished to perfection in the production booth. But it's the homage to Barry White during "You're the First, the Last, My Everything" when the bandmembers kick into full swing and set their fakebooks down for a spell. It's definitely not the strongest moment in the Fattburger catalog, but longtime fans will not be disappointed. ~ Rob Theakston