Michael Brecker
By Mitch Berg
My definition of “Jazz I Like” is sort of like the the definition of obscenity: I know it when I see it.
And among the scattering of names in post-Duke-Ellington jazz I have ever really liked was saxophonist Michael Brecker. Brecker died this past January at 57.
Scott at Powerline, who may be the best music critic in the Twin Cities, directs us to this piece by the NYTimes’ Corey Kilgannon, on Breckers’ last recording sessions, for his Pilgrimmage album, which has been out for a couple of weeks now:
Mr. Brecker’s favorite collaborators — the guitarist Pat Metheny, the bassist John Patitucci, the drummer Jack DeJohnette and the pianists Herbie Hancock and Brad Mehldau — all agreed to attend the session on short notice. Mr. Brecker had played on more than 900 albums, including familiar pop solos on Paul Simon and James Taylor tunes, but now it was apparent that his days were numbered. A reporter was invited to document a day of recording.
Not that there was anything morbid about Mr. Brecker. He became energized immediately upon reuniting with his longtime sidemen. He cast off his cane and began zipping around the studio taking care of logistics.
“Even the first day in the studio, we didn’t know if the whole thing was going to happen,” said Mr. Brecker’s manager, Darryl Pitt. “But Mike just kept getting stronger and stronger in spirit, and it carried through him physically.”
Of course, I have a soft spot in my heart for Brecker, who – along with his trumpet-playing brother Randy, David Sanborn and Wayne Andre, served as the horn section on Bruce Springsteen’s original “Tenth Avenue Freezeout”, from Born to Run, which served as my introduction to the Brecker brothers.
June 5th, 2007 at 2:33 pm
The Breckers and their cohort played on a lot of records. Jaco Pastorius played with those guys, Pat Metheny, a lot of big names – quite a club to be part of.
I loved Jaco’s playing, but never got Metheny. I’ve seen him live, heard the records, etc. I guess that’s why there are more than a couple of top-notch players around. But I just never could “get” why Metheny was worshipped the way he was. I can buy into some of the modern fusion guitarists like John Scofield – and even then, I get the feeling that he’s someone you’re supposed to like, rather than finding many people who really love his playing. Anyway.
RIP Brecker, and WTF about Metheny…
June 5th, 2007 at 3:26 pm
Kind of like The Ramones–you’re supposed to like them because, I dunno they’re cool and sloppy and “killed disco” and critics and musicians like them.
Musically correct is the term.
June 5th, 2007 at 3:46 pm
The Ramones – I like about one or two songs of theirs. I couldn’t take a whole concert of ’em.
Their hair sucked though, so they never were all that cool in my eyes. Ha.
I saw this documentary on the Sex Pistols recently and they’re kind of the same deal for me. Although I like them more than the Ramones. One funny thing about this show, was Sid Vicious was talking a lot. And as much of a moron as he certainly was – he sounded pretty sharp compared to a lot of the lumps out there now. He used words like “figure” and maybe even a three-syllable word here and there. Amazing.
June 5th, 2007 at 7:36 pm
PaulC–you need proof that Metheny is a playa?
Check these out:
As Falls Wichita, So Falls Wichita Falls–Pat Metheny Group
The Falcon and the Snowman (soundtrack)–Pat Metheny and David Bowie
Parallel Realities–Jack DeJohnette (Metheny on guitar and bass, Herbie Hancock on piano)
Yes, I know that Metheny has a strong MOR bent. But these recordings prove that, when the occasion calls, he can whip it out.
June 5th, 2007 at 7:53 pm
The grownups are talking about music now, jb. Why don’t you go knit a sweater or bake some cookies or something?
June 6th, 2007 at 9:20 am
Good call, Tim66. JB comes off like Andy Rooney reviewing the Clash. If you don’t get the Ramones, it’s best not to run around advertising the fact, jb. Just pop your Olivia Newton John tape in the 8-track player and keep quiet.