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Music review: Brian Culbertson – ëƵAnother Long Night OutëƵ

By Clint Rhodes for The 2 min read
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Music review: Brian Culbertson - ëƵAnother Long Night OutëƵ

2 / 2

Rhodes

Brian Culbertson released his debut album back in 1994. At the time, the 21-year-old college student recorded ëƵLong Night OutëƵ in his small apartment with the help of his roommate, a Macintosh computer and new music software.

Twenty years later, the contemporary jazz composer, arranger, keyboardist and trombonist re-records the songs from the original release with a little assistance from an all-star cast. The new album is called ëƵAnother Long Night Out.ëƵ

Some of the stellar musicians joining Culbertson in the studio include Lee Ritenour, Chuck Loeb, Michael ëƵPatchesëƵ Stewart, Russ Freeman, Jonathan Butler, Candy Dulfer, Jimmy Haslip, Rick Braun, Eric Marienthal, Larry Dunn, Steve Lukather, Ricky Lawson and David Benoit.

The title of the new release is a reference to the lengthy nights spent completing the original release during a hectic three-month recording period. ëƵCity LightsëƵ opens the album with the aid of Ritenour on lead guitar and Ray Parker Jr. laying down some smooth licks on rhythm guitar.

Written about the breathtaking view from CulbertsonëƵs college apartment looking toward the John Hancock Center and Sears Tower in Chicago, the engaging arrangement genuinely captures the soothing vibe of a sophisticated city offering endless possibilities.

ëƵFullerton Ave.ëƵ delivers up some spirited funk through LoebëƵs passionate guitar work, while the majestically sweeping ëƵBeautiful LiarëƵ is powered by Lukather on guitar. Fueled by CulbertsonëƵs piano playing, ButlerëƵs soothing nylon-string guitar and BenoitëƵs heavenly string arrangement, ëƵChanging TidesëƵ closes the album in an enduringly tranquil fashion. Influenced by artists like David Sanborn, Bob James, Spyro Gyra, Tower of Power and Earth, Wind & Fire, Culbertson has garnered 26 No. 1 hits as an artist, producer and songwriter during his well-respected career.

After 20 years, ëƵAnother Long Night OutëƵ is still well worth experiencing over and over again.

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