Is There Anything About? (Gonzo Multimedia, 2013, reissue)
Brand X was a notable jazz fusion band during the 1970s. Is There Anything About? is a rare LP released in 1982, after the group had disbanded. The musicians owed an album to their record label and came up with a handful of unreleased pieces together with reworkings of previously released material.
The album opens with the Latin and smooth funk flavored ‘Ipanemia.’ The second cut is the saxophone-fueled ‘A Longer April.’ It is an extended version of a composition titled ‘April’ that came out in the 1979 album titled ‘Product.’
The third piece on the album is basically a synthesizer improvisation. This is followed by Swan Song , a toe-tapping instrumental with a pop feel.
The best cut is undoubtedly the title piece ‘Is There Anything About?’ where the musicians get to showcase their talent. Here we find fusion at its best, with a vibrant rhythm section supporting superb keyboard work by Robin Lumley and guitar creations by John Goodsall.
The lineup on the album featured Phil Collins (Genesis) on drums; Percy Jones on bass; John Goodsall on guitar; Robin Lumley on keyboards; John Giblin on bass, Peter Robinson on keyboards, Raf Ravenscroft on saxophone, and Steven short on syndrums.