Brand New Thing

Released in 1977, Brand New Thing represents a deliberate stylistic shift for Doc Severinsen, moving away from the brassy traditionalism of his Tonight Show work toward the contemporary fusion sounds of the late 70s. Produced and arranged by Tom Scott, the album features an elite roster of session musicians including Lee Ritenour, Eric Gale, Richard Tee, and Anthony Jackson. This 'A-Team' of West Coast players brings a sophisticated, funk-inflected polish to the recording. Notably, Severinsen utilizes the flugelhorn extensively, opting for its rounder, mellower tone to complement the electric instrumentation. The inclusion of the Lyricon (an early electronic wind instrument) and a small string section adds a cinematic, almost ethereal layer to tracks like 'Shenandoah'. While some purists at the time were surprised by the move into 'easy listening' or 'fusion' territory, the album has since been recognized for its exceptional production quality and as a showcase for Severinsen's versatility as a melodicist.