by Vincent JeffriesWhen the talented session drummer Manu Katche decided to release his own solo effort, his colleagues from studio gigs with Sting, Peter Gabriel, Tori Amos, Joni Mitchell, Tracy Chapman, and Dire Straits were happy to sign on to help the talented Mr. Katche record It's About Time. Among them, guitarists Daniel Lanois, keyboardist Simon Clark, and sax legend Branford Marsalis join Katche to create some thrilling jazz- and funk-influenced rock cuts. Warm and soulful, Katche's tunes reflect the influence of Nothing Like the Sun-era Sting, perhaps more than any of the other artists that the drummer previously supported. Highlights include the soul crooner "Lost In You" and the upbeat opener "Cry of Passion." While the lush, delicate tracks on It's About Time generally don't live up to the standards of Katche's most famous employers, there are enough good moments on this 1992 release to warrant a recommendation to fans of this accomplished musician and his famous cohorts.