Second Wind

by Steven McDonaldThey finally couldn't keep the man away from the recording studio, or from owning a record label. Alpert is back in fine playing form on this part-mellow, part-funky set, blowing his trumpety heart out over a steady set of radio-ready grooves built up by keyboards player Jeff Lorber. It's intriguing to listen to the set, in fact, because there's a tendency for flourishes to come slapping out of left field, unexpected little touches that belie the formality of the construction and structure.