At This Time (CD - 2005)

Personnel: Burt Bacharach (flugelhorn, piano, Fender Rhodes piano, synthesizer); John Pagano, Josie James, Donna Taylor (vocals); Ted Perlman (synthesizer, programming); Denaun Porter (bass instrument, drum); Mike Elizondo (bass instrument); John 'JR' Robinson (drums); Paulinho Da Costa (percussion).

Everything from the dressed-down cover art (Burt Bacharach in sweat pants?) to the collaborations that power the music within (beats and bass loops by Dr. Dre?) indicate that AT THIS TIME is a radical departure for the king of suave, easy-listening pop. "Please Explain," the loungy, trip-hop-inflected opener, with its combination of electronic programming, cool Fender Rhodes, and synthesized instrumentation, sets the tone for the album. The second track, the jazz-drenched "Where Did It Go?" continues the vibe with its string-sweetened groove and saxophone solos, not to mention Bacharach's own strangely moving, half-spoken confessional verses.

Yet Bacharach's trademark handiwork is everywhere, from the charming tenderness of his music and lyrics, to the polish of his arrangements, to the sophistication and expressiveness of his performances. Additionally, AT THIS TIME has striking themes that move beyond Bacharach's usual domain of romance to question politics, war, and the nature of time. Appearances by Elvis Costello ("Who Are These People"), Rufus Wainwright ("Go Ask Shakespeare"), and Dr. Dre ("Danger") help make AT THIS TIME a varied, engaging listen, and prove that Bacharach, far from resting on his laurels, is pushing himself in new directions. minimize