Michael Brecker - 1987 "Michael Brecker"

Michael Brecker is the debut album by American saxophonist Michael Brecker. It was released on the Impulse! record label in 1987.

Although he had been a major tenor saxophonist in the studios for nearly 20 years and was quite popular for his work with the Brecker Brothers, this MCA/Impulse set was Michael Brecker's first as a leader. Playing in a quintet with guitarist Pat Metheny, keyboardist Kenny Kirkland, bassist Charlie Haden, and drummer Jack DeJohnette, Brecker performs three of his originals, two by producer Don Grolnick, and Mike Stern's "Choices." The music in general is straight-ahead but far from predictable; the tricky material really challenges the musicians and Michael Brecker is in consistently brilliant form, constantly stretching himself. Highly recommended.

I had this record on vinyl when it came out in 1986. Just added it to my collection on disc and it has me wondering where I've been all this time. This was the first solo release by Brecker, and he can only be termed a GIANT of the tenor sax. I saw him live four or five times, and all his genius is on display here. So sorry to say that Brecker succumbed to cancer last year, and that brilliant pianist Kenny Kirkland, who is all over this record, succumbed to a heroin overdose in 1998. The musicians, also including guitarist Pat Metheny and drummer Jack DeJohnette, are uniformly stupendous on this record, but more than that, the compositions are simply inventive jazz genius. Curious about jazz? Want to check out a great saxophone record? BUY IT. Robert Orme.

A truly unbelievable album - wow! And what a band - Methemy, Haden, Dejohnette, Kirkland.. every piece is exceptional. And Cost of Living - my favorite - powerful! MJJ.

I hadn't heard this recording in a long while and lost sight of how awesome a player Michael Brecker was. This is one of the best examples of a recording that is simultaneously contemporary and tradition-rooted. It still sounds as special as it did when I walked in a record store and stopped in my tracks to listen to the entire recording. Alan R.

Michael Brecker's Tenor playing is so rich and warm. His speed and clarity are extraordinary.

The line up on this album top notch. It is really a "best of the best" with Jack de Johnette on Drums, Charlie Haden on Bass, Kenny Kirland on Piano and Pat Metheny on Guitar. I always enjoy Jack de Johnette's fast and sweet drumming; a particular feature on the album for me. The entire group is really "tight" and it is really impossible to say anyone is better than the other. It works!

I enjoyed a very interesting rendition of "My One and Only Love" which is on Track 7. On this track there is a solo by Pat Metheny that is sublime. Track 5 The Cost Of Living is a slower number, but is a nice change of pace that is well performed and allows Charlie Haden to shine.

This is a terrific album. It showcases Michael Brecker's virtuoso sound. Frizzante.

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Track listing:

1.    "Sea Glass" (Michael Brecker)    5:49
2.    "Syzygy" (Brecker)    9:44
3.    "Choices" (Mike Stern)    8:06
4.    "Nothing Personal" (Don Grolnick)    5:29
5.    "The Cost of Living" (Grolnick)    9:04
6.    "Original Rays" (Brecker, Grolnick, Stern)    9:04
7.    "My One and Only Love" (Robert Mellin, Guy Wood)    8:16
Total length:    53:02

Personnel:

    Michael Brecker – tenor saxophone, EWI
    Pat Metheny – guitar
    Kenny Kirkland – keyboards
    Charlie Haden – double bass
    Jack DeJohnette – drums