The Hal Galper Quintet - Children Of The Night (1997)

In the 1970s, trumpeter Randy and tenor saxophonist Michael Brecker primarily worked as busy studio musicians and co-led the popular R&B/jazz group the Brecker Brothers. On rare occasions, they took vacations from the commercial world and played post-bop jazz. This set, led by pianist Hal Galper, was recorded in 1978 and reissued 19 years later. The Breckers and Galper are in top form, ably supported by veteran bassist Wayne Dockery (who was with the Jazz Messengers in the 1950s) and drummer Bob Moses. Galper contributed four of the challenging selections, including the previously unreleased "Children of the Night," and avoids being overshadowed by the famous horn players. All in all, this is one of Michael and Randy Brecker's finest recordings of the '70s. -- Scott Yanow