Michael Brecker: A Jazz Saxophonist Extraordinaire
Introduction:
Michael Brecker, a renowned jazz saxophonist, was born seventy-five years ago today on March 29, 1949, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His career spanned over three decades, during which he established himself as one of the most influential and innovative saxophonists in jazz history. Brecker’s musical journey was marked by his virtuosic playing, unique improvisational style, and…
“I have often mentioned that the most treacherous location in the jazz world was to be on a bandstand as the guy who has to play the solo right after Mike Brecker.”
Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Joey Kramer, Brad Whitford, Tom Hamilton, Rick Dufay, Ray Tabano, Jimmy Crespo, Dick Wagner, Michael Brecker, Randy Brecker, Jon Pearson, Stan Bronstein, Jay Messina, Mike Mainieri, Paul Prestopino, Jack Douglas ...
Works (1984, ECM) is a Pat Metheny compilation LP that includes the track "Every Day (I Thank You)", originally from 1980's 80/81 LP. w/ my father, saxophonist Michael Brecker, & drummer Jack DeJohnette.
Todd Rundgren
A Wizard, a True Star
1973 Bearsville
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Tracks:
01. International Feel
02. Never Never Land
03. Tic Tic Tic It Wears Off
04. You Need Your Head
05. Rock and Roll Pussy
06. Dogfight Giggle
07. You Don’t Have to Camp Around
08. Flamingo
09. Zen Archer
10. Just Another Onionhead • Da da Dali
11. When the Shit Hits the Fan • Sunset Blvd
12. Le Feel Internacionale
13. Sometimes I Don’t Know What to Feel
14. Does Anybody Love You?
15. Medley: I’m so Proud • Ooh Baby Baby • La La Means I Love You • Cool Jerk
16. Hungry for Love
17. I Don’t Want to Tie You Down
18. Is It My Name?
19. Just One Victory
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From Canada: Herbie Hancock performs Thieves in the Temple by Prince, with Jack DeJohnette (drums), Don Alias (percussion), Dave Holland (bass), John Scofield (guitar) and Michael Brecker (tenor sax) at the 1997 Montreal Jazz Festival.
From Canada: Herbie Hancock performs Thieves in the Temple by Prince, with Jack DeJohnette (drums), Don Alias (percussion), Dave Holland (bass), John Scofield (guitar) and Michael Brecker (tenor sax) at the 1997 Montreal Jazz Festival.
Jeff "Tain" Watts: The Percussive Architect of Jazz
Introduction:
In the heart of the jazz rhythm, where beats are the language and improvisation is the vernacular, stands a maestro who has sculpted sound with his sticks – Jeff “Tain” Watts. Born sixty-four years ago today on January 20, 1960, in Easton, Pennsylvania, Watts has become a legendary figure in the world of jazz, leaving an indelible mark through his drumming prowess and innovative…
Jazz Guitarist and Session Player Dean Brown Dies at 68
- “He was a powerful life force, totally committed to his art,” David Sanborn says
Dean Brown, the jazz guitarist, in-demand session player and solo artist, has died after battling cancer, his wife said.
“Dean's life was a vibrant tapestry of passion, innovation and boundless creativity,” Ruth Brown wrote on the GoFundMe page set up for her husband.
“His departure leaves a void that can never be filled, and my soul aches with the loss of a musical genius, an extraordinary partner and a loving companion. His music was not only a reflection of his talent but also a soundtrack to our shared life.”
Brown died Jan. 26; he was 68.
“I’m heartbroken,” David Sanborn said on the loss of his “dear friend and musical compatriot” Brown.
“He was a powerful life force, totally committed to his art,” Sanborn said. “I feel grateful to have known him.”
In addition to Sanborn, Brown’s credits include appearances on “hundreds of recordings” by the likes of the Brecker Brothers, Billy Cobham, Roberta Flack, Bob James, George Duke and many others.
Brown was “one of the baddest guitarists and stage performers ever,” Randy Brecker said. Ray Fuller, meanwhile, remembered his fellow axeman as “an amazing guitar legend” and “one of the kindest people on Earth.”
Brown released his solo debut, Groove Warrior, in 2004 and went on to issue four more LPs while backing others and fronting his own bands.
“May Dean Brown rest in peace and love,” Todd Rundgren’s Spirit of Harmony Foundation said.