R.I.P. Michael Brecker

[Jaypee]

Farewell to an artist whose footprint is all over the contemporary jazz recording world.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070114/ap_on_en_mu/obit_brecker

[NeenAtlanta]

Oh man, I just woke up and saw this on a news site. What a terrible shame to lose this enormous talent so young (only 57). We'll be playing all of his cd's here are home today, honoring one of the best jazz musicians ever.

I'd always hoped to see him one more time . . .

Interesting that he completed a final cd just 2 weeks before he died. I am looking forward to hearing is final work.

[ScoopJohnD]

I have my clock radio set to the all news station up here. Unfortunately, I know that when I hear music on there it means someone has passed. So when I heard tenor sax this morning and the annoucer going you may not know his name............well I knew. I don't know if people realize just what a giant this man was in the world of not just jazz, but music. Please take the time to read about him, and buy some of his music.

I had the pleasure to see him about this time last year with Herbie Hancock and Roy Hargrove and was blown away. His playing was wonderful. And in the middle of the show it was just him for about 10-15 minutes on something called an EWI (electronic woodwind instrument). I found a review that describes it better than I could

"The biggest surprise of the show, however, came from Brecker. For those familiar with his work, the racing scales, soulful melodies and colorful phrases aren't particularly shocking, but no one was prepared for the "Electric Woodwind Instrument." In a dazzling solo performance, Brecker played a funky synthesizer melody on the device, then looped it, added about 10 layers (don't forget the synth didgeridoo bassline) and proceeded to solo over his demonic groove."

It was one of THE most amazing and beautiful things I have EVER seen or heard, because even though electronics were involved every note came from him and that instrument, and deservedly the audience erupted when it was over.

I'm playing him with Charlie Haden on a CD called American Dreams. He does a version of America The Beautiful on this that is so moving. So sad.....he will be missed.

[saturn]

http://www.ricoreeds.com/resources/rico/artists_Michael_Brecker.jpg


RIP Michael

[steeleye]

He was a truly great musician...RIP.