Pushing the Envelope

AMG Review of Pushing the Envelope

Stephen Cook
All Music Guide

Drummer/composer Bobby Previte released some of his best albums on the Gramavision label, including Claude's Late Morning, Music of the Moscow Circus, and 1988's Pushing the Envelope. While his work behind the kit on both solo and guest dates has always been first-class, the breadth of his writing comes as a pleasant surprise; the six compositions here certainly shore up the claim. And variety comes with substance as Previte wends from the grand minimalism of "Open World" to the expanse and intensity of "Pushing the Envelope." In between there's a wonderful mix, including chamber musings ("Mirror, Mirror"), a highly original allad conception ("Ballad Noir"), and full-band funk-tinged swagger ("Once"). In its scope and focus, the music could certainly be used as top soundtrack material. Helping Previte out with the cinematic proceedings are top New York players like tenor saxophonist Marty Ehrlich, pianist Wayne Horvitz, French horn player Tom Varner, and bassist David Hofstra. A fine first-disc choice for those new to Previte's work.