CAB 2 (2001)

CAB 2, released in 2001, represents a defining moment in the evolution of CAB, capturing the group at the height of its groove-driven identity and musical cohesion. The album features Bunny Brunel on bass, Tony MacAlpine on guitar, Dennis Chambers on drums, and Brian Auger on Hammond organ. This lineup solidifies what can be considered the core of CAB’s most rhythmically compelling era, where deep pocket and high-level fusion intersect seamlessly.

The album consists of ten tracks: “Decisions,” “Madeline,” “Dennis,” “For Joe,” “South Side,” “Temperamental,” “Top Spin,” “Wah Wah,” and “Sunday.” Across these compositions, CAB 2 achieves a rare balance between technical sophistication and musical accessibility. Brunel’s bass lines provide both structural foundation and melodic direction, while Chambers anchors the ensemble with a deep, elastic groove that gives the music its unmistakable feel. MacAlpine’s articulate phrasing cuts through with precision and clarity, and Auger’s organ textures add warmth and harmonic depth, reinforcing the album’s cohesive sound.

(L)Tony MacAlpine, (Top L-R) Bunny Brunel, Brian Auger, (Bottom R) Dennis Chambers

The album’s impact extended beyond the fusion community, earning a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Jazz Album, a recognition that reflects its ability to connect with both musicians and listeners alike. Within this framework, standout tracks such as “Decisions,” “South Side,” and “Top Spin” exemplify the album’s defining qualities—groove, interaction, and forward motion. These selections highlight where the band locks into its strongest pocket, allowing the music to breathe while maintaining intensity and focus. CAB 2 ultimately stands as one of the group’s most complete statements, where virtuosity serves the groove and the groove, in turn, elevates the entire ensemble.

“In 2000, a jazz-rock ubergroup quietly formed consisting of long-time session man Bunny BRUNEL, guitarist extraordinaire Tony MacALPINE and master drummer Dennis CHAMBERS. Veteran organist Brian AUGER would soon join, and keyboard innovator Patrice RUSHEN has since recorded with them as well. The band provided a shot in the arm to the Fusion scene and recorded some of the better, more schooled jazz-rock at the time, taking influence from classic artists such as TONY WILLIAMS, WEATHER REPORT and RETURN TO FOREVER but bringing a contemporary polish to the music and a bright, rich studio sound. CAB was a good debut but ‘CAB 2’ stole the show with its high-quality performances and was nominated for a Grammy. Patrice RUSHEN was added in 2003 for ‘CAB 4’ (no ‘CAB 3’ exists), and ‘CAB Live’ was released in 2005. Easily one of the classiest bands to emerge post-2000, CAB is recommended to just about anyone with a taste for jazz and rock brewed together by seasoned artists. “CAB is, in fact” states their bio, “something like what jazz might have become had the torch not been dropped so soon after the fusion race had begun”.– Atavachron (David), Prog Rock Archives