Musicians - Michael Brecker

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	Musicians - Michael Brecker

Michael Brecker (b. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, March 29, 1949) is probably the most respected and imitated jazz saxophonist of the post-Coltrane era. As of 2005, he has won 11 Grammys as both performer and composer.

Michael Brecker has been diagnosed with the blood disorder Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Despite a widely-publicized worldwide search, Brecker was unable to find a matching stem cell donor. In late 2005, he was the recipient of an experimental partial matching stem cell transplant. As of early 2006, he still is seriously ill, and it is unclear whether the experimental procedure will provide a long term remedy.

Biography

Michael Brecker was exposed to jazz at an early age by his father, an amateur jazz pianist. Among the generation of jazz musicians that saw rock music not as the enemy but as a viable musical option, Brecker began studying clarinet, then moved to alto saxophone in school, eventually settling on the tenor saxophone as his primary instrument. After only a year at Indiana University, Michael Brecker moved to New York City in 1970 where he carved out a niche for himself as a dynamic and exciting jazz soloist, and quickly became the preeminent pop/R&B/funk saxophone soloist of his generation. He first made his mark at age 21 as a member of the jazz/rock band Dreams -- a band that included his older brother Randy, drummer Billy Cobham, Jeff Kent and Doug Lubahn. Dreams was short-lived, lasting only a year, but influential (Miles Davis was seen at some gigs prior to his recording "Jack Johnson").

By the early 1970s it was apparent that Michael Brecker was a soloist to be reckoned with. Most of his early work is marked by an approach informed as much by rock guitar as by R&B saxophone. After Dreams, he worked with Horace Silver and then Billy Cobham before he and brother Randy teamed up once again. The newly formed Brecker Brothers Band played fusion that was equal parts bar band, Monk, and Sly Stone. The band followed the trail blazed by Miles Davis's 70s bands and Weather Report, but with more attention to structured arrangements, a heavier backbeat, and a stronger rock influence. The band stayed together from 1975 - 1982 with consistent success and musicality.

At the same time, Brecker put his stamp on numerous pop and rock recordings with brief but energizing solos. His more notable collaborations include those with James Taylor, Steely Dan, Donald Fagen and Joni Mitchell. During the early 80s he was also a member of NBC’s Saturday Night Live band. Brecker can be seen in the background sporting shades during Eddie Murphy’s James Brown parody, “Get In The Hot Tub”.

After a stint co-leading all-star group Steps Ahead with Mike Mainieri, Brecker finally recorded solo in 1987. His eponymously titled debut album marked his return to a more traditional jazz setting, highlighted his compositional talents, and featured the EWI (Electronic Wind Instrument), which Brecker had previously played with Steps Ahead. Given a chance to stretch out on his solo projects, Brecker took full advantage and showed off his considerable tenor chops. His following solo releases, as well as Brecker Brothers reunion albums, maintain the high standard of musicianship established on his first solo album. He released many albums as leader throughout the 1990s and 2000s, winning many Grammys; his solo and group tours consistently have sold out top jazz venues in major cities worldwide.

A true virtuoso, his distinct tone, jaw-dropping technique, and harmonic daring are instantly recognizable. All of this, combined with his unmatched versatility, has made him one of the most recorded and influential saxophonists since 1975.

He favors his Selmer Mark VI tenor saxophone and a highly-customized Dave Guardala mouthpiece.

Discography

As leader

Michael Brecker Quindectet Wide Angles 2003 Verve Brecker, Michael, et al. Directions in Music Live at Massey Hall 2002 Brecker, Michael Nearness of You 2001 Verve 01 314 549 705-2 Brecker, Michael Time Is Of The Essence 1999 Verve 3145418442 Brecker, Michael Two Blocks From The Edge 1998 Impulse! 11107 260 2 Brecker, Michael Tales From The Hudson 1996 Impulse! 11912 Brecker, Michael and Claus Ogerman Cityscape Warner Bros 8122-73718-2 Brecker Brothers, The Out Of The Loop 1994 GRP GRD-9784 Brecker Brothers, The Return Of The Brecker Brothers 1992 GRP GRD-9684 Brecker, Michael Now You See It ... (Now You Don't) 1990 GRP GRD-9622 Brecker Brothers, The Collection Vol.1 (Compilation) 1990 BMG 3075-2-N Brecker Brothers, The Collection Vol.2 (Compilation) 1990 BMG 3076-2-N Brecker, Michael Don't Try This At Home 1988 MCA Impulse! MCAD-42229 Brecker, Michael Michael Brecker 1987 MCA Impulse! MCAD-5980 Steps Ahead Live in Tokyo 1986 94 NYC Record VACF-1006 Steps Ahead Magnetic 1986 Elektra 9 60441-2 Steps Ahead Modern Times 1984 Elektra Musician 9 60351-1-E Steps Ahead Steps Ahead 1983 Elektra Musician E1 60168-1 Steps Paradox 1982 Better Days YF-7044-N Steps Step By Step 1981 Better Days YF-7020-N Steps Smokin' In The Pit 1981 Better Days YB-7010/7011-N Brecker Brothers, The Straphangin' 1981 Arista AL 9550 Brecker Brothers, The Detente 1980 Arista AB 4272 Brecker Brothers, The Heavy Metal Be-Bop 1978 Arista AB 4185 Brecker Brothers, The Don't Stop The Music 1977 Arista AL 4122 Brecker Brothers, The Back To Back 1976 Arista AL 4061 Brecker Brothers, The Brecker Brothers 1975 Arista AL 4037 Saxophone Summit Gathering of Sprits Telarc CD-83607

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Musicians - Michael Brecker

Biography

Discography

As leader

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