What a beautiful inciteful tribute. I was blessed to work with Michael and call him friend. Funny that upon signing him to Impulse! Records my peers suggested I had overpaid! How does one overpay for genius? A titan? Michael went on to become the most Grammy-winning saxophonist in his history. More importantly he created a rich body of work, culminating in Pilgrimage that will resonate for as long as people listen to music. He was a special cat in every way. I miss my friend.
That was a great read, Bret. I have been a lifelong, working tenor player. Coltrane and Michael have been very influential and important in my life. You're a fine writer, thank you.
Before Michael Brecker I had this recurring question: What would Coltrane have done if he had lived longer? Michael doesn't answer that question, he elucidates further possibilities for the saxophone. That's good enough. Trane continued in the Spirit World.
"Pilgrimage" - I own it and listen to it and hear something new every time. I have listened to Michael Brecker play live for years, having lived in New York and, more so, lived just about every weekend at 7th Avenue South (the club he owned with his Brother) particularly when he was playing in any configuration - with Steps (Steps Ahead), Don Grolnick, Warren Bernhardt, Idiot Savant, you name it. "Pilgrimage" is everything he was and became as a Sax player.
My twin sister, Lili, can sing every note of every song on this recording. Michael Brecker is her main musical hero. Thanks again, Bret - for the mirror.
Landed on a Pat Metheney version of “Masquerade” posted by The Jazz Video Guy. There he was, stunning, possessing, I had to play it repeatedly, It was hard to leave. Thanx, again.
What a beautiful inciteful tribute. I was blessed to work with Michael and call him friend. Funny that upon signing him to Impulse! Records my peers suggested I had overpaid! How does one overpay for genius? A titan? Michael went on to become the most Grammy-winning saxophonist in his history. More importantly he created a rich body of work, culminating in Pilgrimage that will resonate for as long as people listen to music. He was a special cat in every way. I miss my friend.
Ricky, we're waiting for your memoirs.
Bingo: ... technique without spirit was just athleticism. That innovation without soul was just noise.
That the saxophone wasn't an instrument—it was a prayer wheel.
That was a great read, Bret. I have been a lifelong, working tenor player. Coltrane and Michael have been very influential and important in my life. You're a fine writer, thank you.
Having grown up in the time of Coltrane I have to admit Michael Becker is another one I missed, so thanks for that.
Wow, that is an incredibly deep frown in the burrows of those brows on Coltrane. Never quite seen any like it.
The true expression of a lineage. Prez, Getz, Trane, Brecker....who has risen to claim the tenor mantle? I can't think of anyone. Yet.
Chris Potter!
Yet.
Beautiful!
Two visions pop...
Seeing MB in bed at Sloan Kettering soon before he died. No saxophone in sight. Much appears invisible.
Pep's - I caught Stitt and Dexter in a Philly style duel.
Before Michael Brecker I had this recurring question: What would Coltrane have done if he had lived longer? Michael doesn't answer that question, he elucidates further possibilities for the saxophone. That's good enough. Trane continued in the Spirit World.
Beautifully written piece about my two favorite spiritual guides of the saxophone. Thanks Bret.
"Pilgrimage" - I own it and listen to it and hear something new every time. I have listened to Michael Brecker play live for years, having lived in New York and, more so, lived just about every weekend at 7th Avenue South (the club he owned with his Brother) particularly when he was playing in any configuration - with Steps (Steps Ahead), Don Grolnick, Warren Bernhardt, Idiot Savant, you name it. "Pilgrimage" is everything he was and became as a Sax player.
My twin sister, Lili, can sing every note of every song on this recording. Michael Brecker is her main musical hero. Thanks again, Bret - for the mirror.
Landed on a Pat Metheney version of “Masquerade” posted by The Jazz Video Guy. There he was, stunning, possessing, I had to play it repeatedly, It was hard to leave. Thanx, again.
❤️☮️🎷
Literally moved to tears. Thank you. Exceptional piece.