Brecker Bros. Together--at Last

The Brecker Brothers are back.

Saxophonist Michael Brecker and his trumpet-playing brother Randy, who from 1975 to 1982 led one of the finest jazz/funk/rock ensembles, are teaming up again. Next week, they go into a recording studio in New York to make their first Brecker Brothers album in 11 years, for GRP Records. The pair’s last recording was “Strap-hangin’,” made for Arista. The Breckers hadn’t planned on a decade-plus hiatus, said Randy Brecker, but things just kept coming up. “After our last album, Michael began to perform with the jazz/rock Steps Ahead, and I was playing with bassist Jaco Pastorius. Later, we both began leading our own bands, and touring,” said the trumpeter, whose most recent solo album is “Toe to Toe” on MCA Records.

In 1990, the brothers decided it was time to record, but then Michael was hired by Paul Simon to play his world tour, which lasted 18 months.

Randy Brecker said the new album will be recorded in part live in the studio, and will also include some multitracked selections. The material, written by each of the leaders, will be very contemporary. “The music is involved,” said the trumpeter. “It’s like the old stuff, with a mixture of be-bop and funk, but with all the stuff we’ve been listening to in the past few years. For instance, there’s one tune by Michael that has an African flavor.”

The album, which doesn’t yet have a working title, will feature guitarist Mike Stern, keyboardist George Whittey, bassist James Genus and drummer Dennis Chambers. Past band members, such as saxophonist David Sanborn, may take part. The album is due out in June, when the band begins a U.S. tour. The Breckers appear at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on June 13 and at the Playboy Jazz Festival at the Hollywood Bowl on June 14.

Rim Shots: Jack Sheldon’s new big band kicks off “The Best of the Big Bands ‘92,” an eight-week, Monday night series that begins Monday at the Moonlight Tango Cafe in Sherman Oaks. Upcoming groups include Steve Allen on May 11, Bob Florence on May 18, and Maiden Voyage, featuring singer Sonny Craver--who appeared in the film “White Men Can’t Jump”--on June 1. . . . Motown has announced the formation of MoJazz, a jazz label that will debut in June. Initial releases are expected from guitarist Norman Brown, multi-instrumentalist Foley and drummer-producer Norman Connors.

In the Bins: Ex-Wynton Marsalis pianist Eric Reed, heard recently leading a quintet at Catalina Bar and Grill in Hollywood, makes his debut with “Soldier’s Hymn” (Candid). The 10 trio selections include five Reed originals. . . . “Incognito,” drummer Tony Reedus’ first effort for Enja, sports such modernists as saxman Gary Thomas and bassist Dave Holland.

Critic’s Choice: Bassist Octavio Bailly, who appears Saturday at the Jazz Bakery, has a uncomplicated approach to Brazilian music: make it melodic and have a nice, easy groove. His drummer, the wonderful Claudio Slon, is a major plus, as is Liz Kinnon, who offers warm, swirling keyboard sounds.