Michael Brecker: A Quiet Genius of Immense Importance

[@philsteffen7876]

Little known fact: Mike was an advocate for addicts in NYC. After his own troubles with coke, and finally kicking the habit ( along with Stern, Sco, and a bunch of other NYC players), he spent part of his time helping others get clean.

[@riceflatpicking4954]

Coke was the love of my life for a longgg time. This coming Tuesday, 12/28, I will be celebrating six years clean. I too have worked with newcomers..giving away what was so freely given to me. Recovery saved my life! Merry Christmas Phil.

[@jenniferpollard9571]

@@riceflatpicking4954 That's awesome!

[@adomaskuzinas2137]

Mike was right in the heat of the drug scene in the 70s, when musicians would casually get paid for gigs in coke and snort lines off the piano during jam sessions in the lofts. According to the great writer Bill Milkowski Brecker also struggled with heroin addiction, which only few people (including myself) knew about before the book came out. It's also widely known that Brecker helped Mike Stern beat his heavy alcohol addiction and cope with the aftermath.

[@DlmlZ]

Yes you are right! I have a 4 DVD Set of the History of Jazz lasting for 12hours. And so many of these unreachable artists got addicted to drugs. C. Parker, J. Coltrane, M.Davis, Chet Baker etc. And many of them died way too early, but their music still stays on for good! Merry Christmas Phil!

[@alexanderwes5204]

This deepens my respect for MB!

[@drbassface]

I got to meet Michael Brecker when I was 20 at Montreux 77. First at Claude Nobs house. Next, I was playing bass in the Montreux Musicians Lounge, and HE SITS DOWN AT THE DRUMS…just me and Michael Brecker playing some medium swing with brother Randy hanging out…one afternoon in July 1977. Still In awe.

[@spiketaterman5181]

dude....I mean...DUDE!

[@nairdazitro7460]

Damn, so you heard him playing live this epic solo on " Pick up the Pieces ".

[@drbassface]

@@nairdazitro7460I remember being blown away by it, YES:)

[@tuby1502]

Hi Rick, A few years ago I was at the North Sea Jazz Festival in The Hague, The Netherlands. After an amazing concert by Michel Brecker he was standing next to me at the bar. He didn’t know that he needed tokens to buy a drink so I payed for his drink. He asked how much he owed me for the drink. I just smiled and said he paid with the concert half an hour before we met. Really nice guy. Best saxophone player ever.

[@zootMKVI]

Yeah I saw Steps Ahead there. The guy I met at the bar was Paul Desmond. Offering him a Silk Cut (cigarette) he pulled out a pack of Senior Service - saying "I prefer these" (a UK untipped brand)

[@albertoguerrero007]

There is something so deeply spiritual about Mike Brecker’s playing. It is so beautiful and soothing. It really inspires my creativity.

[@niecejohns1027]

I ADORE how you ADORE the music, Rick. It makes me open up and take in the nuances, and let the music do what it does best: make love to the soul. You're the Music Shaman of our time.

[@the_original_Bilb_Ono]

Oh yeah? well, I ADORE how you ADORE how Rick ADORES the music.

[@bojangles6444]

Music Shaman. Such a stupid choice of language. How about nu metal witch doctor, grunge godfather, Jonesin Jazzaholic, There were a lot of guys like him in his generation. Problem is music is becoming less and less of a viable career so younger folks don’t really have anyone around that cares anymore. The 90’s was the last decade where music still was relevant to society- now it’s just like a candy bar. I didn’t expect the future to suck so much back then. Took the great times for granted. Do you know what it’s like when an album comes out that’s so moving everybody is talking about it bc they can’t get a killer guitar riff out of their head? Those were the days… and I don’t see us going back save for a miracle.

[@ericmadeoftin8206]

I adore how you adore how he adores how everyone adores ad infinitum. That's my ride, I gotta go.

[@RuiNobrega]

So true.

[@Christopher_Bachm]

It's a love in...

[@srwaite7]

Mike’s work on Metheny’s 80/81 track “Everyday I Thank You” is just brilliant. What a talent!

[@jazzfan7491]

Totally agree

[@janpedersen8376]

His long solo on that song is just mind blowing. The best sax player ever!

[@alexanderwes5204]

The whole time during your hommage to Michael Brecker I had a lump in my throat. He was só good, such an outstanding artist. Saw him several times in the Netherlands, at North Sea Jazz Festival, at the Concert Gebouw and the Dam square in Amsterdam (Steps Ahead), in the Haque Conservatorium were he did a masterclass for two days. And évery time his playing blew me away! I literally cried when I heard he had passed away in 2007. One of our quality newspapers in the Netherlands didn't even payed attention to it! I found it unbelievable at that time. Thank you for sharing your story about Michael. This really made my day!

[@tomahzo]

Those dates from North Sea Jazz are classic! So many good videos on KZbin of Brecker Brothers playing that festival throughout the 80:ies and early 90:ies at least.

[@seriousoldman8997]

I remember the Steps Ahead North Sea Jazz festival early eighties when Bobby McFerrin came on at the end. I was high for days!

[@alexanderwes5204]

@@seriousoldman8997 I can't remember that specific concert, but I'm sure this must have been a party!

[@karlzosel1464]

I was also on North Sea 86 when Steps Ahead played. That was really mind blowing.

[@anneonym7346]

Also very touched hearing about Michael Brecker. And i had the same experience as you about live concerts. Saw him in 3 different groups and circumsances, once with the Brecker brothers and Mike stern, once in a club with his quartet, and last time in a jazz festival Mike Brecker Pat metheny group. And as you said "And évery time his playing blew me away" ! He was completely immersed in the music, like giving all he had ! Magnificent ! Mighty Mike !

[@gareepeters2427]

This is why we love Rick...he is our portal into musical literacy, whether or not we listeners read a note...

[@tonijimenez7846]

Michael Brecker, the colossus... hats off when he starts playing, from top to bottom he always makes the most glorious note, the deepest and most powerful climax... heaven is when he sounds... how we miss him

[@twangbarfly]

GREAT COMMENT!

[@mjt5576]

His solo on "Heather" on Billy Cobham's Crosswinds is one of the most beautiful solos ever recorded. I don't think there's a greater saxophonist than Michael Brecker.

[@Mtns14000]

I posted the same thing. Didn't see you had posted this months ago.

[@haroldbrooks4235]

I'd have to agree

[@romeoperrin7524]

Sometimes Bob Berg does better in my opinion but I love brecker for sure and his brother a lot

[@birgitbofarull4410]

His solo in 80/81 EVERRY DAY I THANK YOU is sublime. I met him twice in NYC and I have to write the stories. He was and continues to be beyond extraordinary .

[@aussie_philosopher8079]

Oh my God what a solo. Soul oozing from it

[@dennismichaels1205]

Rick, I’ve been a player for almost 60 years, and I must say, you give passion and hope for future generations with your input towards musical knowledge and the dedication towards one’s craft. It’s so refreshing to hear and see one’s dedication to the musical art form. Our appreciation for you will not go unnoticed. With great respect, Dennismichaelsjazz

[@edc3093]

Rick, I am 61 years old and my musical heroes from times when I was growing up are now passing away, greats to me are George Duke, Chick Corea, Al Jarreau, Walter Becker, Maurice White and many others who deserve mentioning but don't come to mind at the moment. Hearing that artists are dying in their 60's and 70's is quite sobering and I am at a point where I am not sure if it is as much that I am mourning a loss but coming to realize I am on deck. I now realize what my parents must have been thinking when the artists of their time died.

[@robreck6082]

I want to add Michael Brecker's amazing solo on "Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight."

[@morethanaveragejoe8224]

I remember back in '93 I was completing my first year in college. During one of my lessons with my sax teacher, he asked me if I'd heard of Michael Brecker. And being raised in a small Texas town I wasn't exposed to jazz at all. So, I said no. My sax teacher said listen to this and tell me what you think. He played a cassette tape with Mike on the cover balancing a tenor sax on his index finger. The first track I heard was Itsbynne Reel and I was blown away. Mike was on the EWI and tenor sax. I was hooked and have been ever since. Mike Brecker and Bob Berg are my favorite tenor sax players...just monster players.

[@Osnosis]

Me, too. Took some lessons from Bob…super cool guy.

[@spiketaterman5181]

Berg is fantastic! Check out Scott Hamilton for that old school sound...great player.

[@dhillpgh]

My first encounter with Michael's music was when I was studying Jazz trumpet in college, early to mid-80's. Many of the saxophonists idolized him even then, and I was immediately struck by Michael's range of expression and skill, having listened to both the Brecker Brothers and "Cityscape." I never fully pursued being a professional musician, for a variety of reasons, and even though I have always kept listening, I don't have any stories of seeing Michael live, or ever coming close to meeting him, but I know I would have been speechless had I met him in person. He was a Giant to me. "Cityscape" and "Three Quartets" are still among my most favorite albums ever. When I found out he was sick, and then later passed away, I felt a visceral sense of loss, as if I had known him, and that feeling has never gone away. The power of music to profoundly impact others, even those who aren't connected in any way personally, is extraordinary, indeed.

[@producerman10030]

As a session musician in NYC, I was lucky enough to work with Michael several times over the years. Always an electrifying experience. We became friends and hung out a lot. An incredible human being.

[@vinylnumpty]

Sad day yesterday... RIP David Sanborn. Have seen both him and Mr Brecker at NSJ Festival many years back. David had Marcus Miller, Clapton, Steve Gadd and Joe Sample with him (it was Marcus' band ensemble). Incredible!

[@firefighterps2]

Michael Brecker was what we call a monster. Second to non in my opinion. If you've never listened to The Brecker Brothers Heavy Metal Bebop, or Claus Ogermans City Scapes, DO IT!!!!!

[@xRickAstleyx]

some skunk funk hits like a bus

[@firefighterps2]

@@xRickAstleyx especially that famous Japanese concert!

[@tedpowers2045]

I wore that vinyl out. Listened to it every day.

[@martinheath5947]

Best Michael Brecker tribute I've ever seen. Beautifully done Rick

[@backbeatfragrances]

Michael Brecker was a monster! His playing on the Brecker Brothers' "Heavy Metal Bebop" album absolutely broke new ground.

[@tedpowers2045]

Yes I wore that album out.

[@birdrules66]

When I was a young sax college student, I was a Michael Brecker disciple. I played "Delta City Blues" for one of my last recitals. I gave my son the middle name "Brecker". Here's the crazy part: my son was born 2 years after Michael died on the same date, January 13th. Michael will always bee one of my musical heroes.

[@stevebagnell4987]

As a saxophonist, Michael Brecker is one of my greatest heroes. I was fortunate enough to see him play a couple of times. But that was not my starstruck story. About 3 years ago I got to meet Elvis Costello on his book tour. The appearance was a one-man show where he talked about his life in music, and then did a sit-down interview with a local radio host. In it, he talked about the jazz standard The Meaning of the Blues and how he wrote Almost Blue as his reaction to it. I had recorded Almost Blue a couple of times with my jazz group and I had always felt that there was a connection between the two songs and Elvis confirmed it. I thought it was the perfect way to start a conversation with him. My friend and I were among the first in line for the book signing. When we got up to him, my mouth moved up and down wordlessly and then the opportunity to chat was gone. Totally and unexpectedly starstruck.

[@jazzbrew68]

I had the pleasure of hearing him play live with Herbie Hancock and Roy Hargrove in DC. The Directions in Music tour. After the show a friend of mine and I got back stage. We talked to everyone and Mike wasn't feeling well so was not around. My friend was a sax player and asked about him - he came out for pictures and talked a bit. MONSTER player and like Rick said -- just a super nice guy. Side note -- his solo on Cameo's "Candy" is perfection. He steals the show in my humble opinion.

[@frvr1048]

You are like a friend that I'd sit down and listen to and have a beer or two Rick, and I'd always come away feeling like I had a great time. Thank you.

[@egeb7]

I absolutely love his playing on the live album ''Shadows and Light''. That line up is totally killer. Joni Mitchell, Jaco Pastorius, Don Alias, Lyle Mays and Pat Metheny!

[@winstonsmith7652]

Yeah. Beat that!

[@MarkPeotter]

Shadows And Light is my all time favorite album! An all star band playing amazing music together!

[@bobansak2583]

I was on leave from the US Navy at the time of that tour After hearing them in San Francisco I called up friends that were in college in Santa Barbara and LA and invited them to join me at those gigs so I could have a free place to stay!

[@PerfDayToday]

So many from that group gone now as well.

[@almaguapa-sailboatliveaboa440]

A classic.

[@samyard]

In his time here on Earth he was definitely the greatest Sax player. I remember in the eighties when I was in Germany in the jazz clinik with Herb Geller, Herb told us, that he had worked in a Big Band project and there he heard Mike Brecker playing. Herb said that Mike is the the very best player in the world at that moment. He was so delighted about his playing and the musical ideas. Herb Geller himself was an incredible alto bebop player who has played with the best. For example Charlie Parker. At that time Herb was living in Hamburg Germany and worked with the NDR radio big band. He was an incredible nice man. He introduced me to all the Aebersold stuff. Thank you Herb and thank you Mike Brecker, whom I had the priveledge of seeing live twice. With steps ahead. INCREDIBLE and in his last years. And many thanks to your phantastic channel Rick. Best regards from Germany Wolfgang

[@jaypeterson7637]

Saw Brecker in the spring of '79 when he toured with Joni Mitchell. What a line up...Jaco, Lyle Mays, Metheny, Alias. I swear that I witnessed FIRE emanating from Michael's tenor sax. INCREDIBLE concert!

[@Chord_The_Seeker]

Michael Brecker is my favorite saxophonist. I was lucky enough to see him live once before he passed. His album, “Don’t Try This At Home” is still one of my favorite jazz fusion albums of all time.

[@jimbricker4982]

Brecker is also legendary on Metheny's "Every Day (I Thank You)" from 80/81

[@kcoyle49]

I'm a huge Brecker fan and a tenor sax player ... IMO this might be his greatest solo. Thrilled that someone else called this out. It's the best "2 am one last tune before bed" song ever

[@BluesSky]

My favorite as well as Two Folk Songs

[@uneedtherapy42]

Everyday (I thank Rick Beato) too

[@marcb7571]

Rick- I love how your show is illuminating great musicians to a new generation

[@steffenbrix]

Michael and his live band in the late 80s was insane....with Stern at his peak, Jeff Andrews, Calderazzo, Nussbaum....

[@mandygreer3732]

I first realized I was hearing Michael Brecker when Dan Fogelberg’s Same Old Lang Syne came on the radio and that amazing end solo played. SO beautifully nuanced and fine! I realize this is a rather pedestrian example of his session playing, but there is just as much feeling, skill and artistry in simplicity as there can be in the complex. I still listen to this song forthat solo. Gets me EVERY time.

[@OutOnTheTiles]

Such a great song.

[@bucquoismusic]

Agree. Another person of note is Candy Dulfer, a self-taught saxophonist that played with many greats. I wonder if Rick would have an interview with her sometime? It would be great.

[@JamesMoore-un3cu]

I absolutely LOVED Dan Fogelberg's style and music. No surprise that he had monumental musicians playing on his stuff. And that line in Old Lang Syne is truly phenomenal, I agree!

[@mandygreer3732]

It would! I hope so, too!

[@spankyhanderson3680]

Oh wow, yes. That end solo was amazing. I loved Fogelberg and that song was really special on its own, but that solo took the song’s emotional content just to another level. I can’t even imagine that song without the sax solo at the end, and can still hear every note in my memory. Amazing.

[@robdevaney6518]

His performance on Shadows and Light is magisterial. I also love his solo on Still Crazy After All These Years

[@simonhodgetts6530]

Still Crazy is a fine, fine sax solo!

[@donaldanderson6604]

I love the way Joni name checks him .

[@markwhite-what-da-jazz]

Thank you for this tribute to Michael. I'm a saxophonist and Michael is always my hero. Geniuses like Michael learn from their heroes like Coltrane, but then they use what they learned as their stepping stones to create even more. Like Coltrane, Michael not only inspires saxophonists but he inspired many jazz musicians. Chick Corea is also my hero. I never tire of listening to anything by Chick Corea or Michael. If I had to narrow down my list of favorite musicians to only two, it is Chick and Michael. I was always amazed that Michael kept evolving in his music. The last time I saw Michael live was at the North Sea Jazz festival in 1998, but of course I kept listening to all recordings of Michael. He never stopped evolving. If anyone is new to Michael Brecker, I highly recommend that you find better audio recordings than just KZbin. Many of the live recordings on KZbin don't reproduce the amazing sound of Michael Brecker.

[@jamesbrown9130]

100% agree. Cityscape is a masterpiece. I have heard him perform Naima in a way that makes you believe you will never hear anything more beautiful and profound. Of course Joni knew. All the cats.

[@Osnosis]

The Naima solo is totally amazing.

[@alainbradette1400]

First time I heard Mike was on Three Quartet… as a young saxophonist, I was blown away... changed my life. From that point on I listen to everything he did.

[@jpgcomposer]

Brecker is absolutely the greatest. I was so crushed when he passed (as were so many of us). So many amazing records. The Claus Ogerman is wonderful, Chick's Three Quartets is towering, a lot of classic solos with Steps Ahead, some incredible work with Pat on his own records and on 80/81. But maybe my very favorite solo, because it never fails to put me in a great mood: Camieff by Jim Beard-incredibly swinging and buoyant and wonderful.

[@williampregeant4244]

So much Brecker to absorb. As for pop, his solo on "Candy" by Cameo is a concise stunner!! And his work on "Rainbow" by Crystal Green is like a warm sweater...

[@jpgcomposer]

@@williampregeant4244 Amazing that your comment arrived today to this post that briefly mentions Jim Beard, because I learned only yesterday he just passed on March 2. Another terrible loss.

[@djsoulfilter]

I could listen to Beato talk for hours about his musical experiences!! Beautiful tribute to MB

[@MotherboardStandoff]

Michael Brecker got me to listen to Jazz music. The very first Jazz record I ever consciously listened to was the 2002 live album "Directions in Music: Live At Massey Hall". Herbie Hancock, Michael Brecker and Roy Hargrove (who sadly is also no longer with us) playing the music of John Coltrane and Miles Davis. It's literally a life changing record for me, I became a massive Jazz fan because of that record.

[@klaaskoning2769]

Michael Brecker, i still honur him. I saw him in Berlin, with the Brecker Brothers. I think it was in 1976. It fueled my love for fusion music after that concert. When the concert was over, and we sat in the cafe afterwards were, we drank some beer. Suddenly the door opened and there came 2 people into the cafe. Michael & Randy Brecker. My breath stopped. we were alone in the cafe. Both gentlemen came to sit by us. On our table...... And we talked. A lot. Over the band, the sound. Over the numbers they played. After Randy was on to his hotel, micheal wrote us a nice writing. Top guy. Years later i saw him several times at the North Sea Jazz Festival in the Hague. In 1980/1981/1982 with Steps Ahead. And in 1984/1985 with Steps. He opened up my mind to jazz and fusion. Top. I love to think about him and his music.

[@PirahnaheadDetroit]

Michael Brecker & Claus ogerman “cityscape” that album was AMAZING.

[@PerfDayToday]

Gunna play this later today, thxs

[@lizharrington3791]

Agreed that album was fantastic

[@tomcoryell]

IS amazing. 😎 IS fantastic.

[@firefighterps2]

Indeed

[@navasaband]

There’s Coltrane, yes, yet don’t forget Mr. Parker… but Micheal B. is definitely legendary. My favorite is the Brecker Bros. on Billy Cobham’s “Spectrum” with Tommy Bolin. Amazing.

[@johnvalentine3456]

I think Rick was referring to tenor players.

[@countingcoup]

Love Michael Brecker, definitely one of the Tenor Sax greats ~ RIP But watching an animated Beato listen to the musicians that he really respects is as fun as watching F. Murray Abraham the actor playing Antonio Salieri in the film Amadeus in those scenes where he transports himself into the music he is listening too. I suspect when Rick Beato is in his final years, he will transport himself into the library of music and experiences in his head like Antonio Salieri (from the movie), and be an eccentric patient telling stories to some lucky medical staff assistant who has the curiosity to ask him what he sees and hears in his mind… Another great vid from Beato ❤️

[@dougfirth3618]

Mike Brecker was a monster on his instrument. He could play anything. It is so interesting to hear the evolution in his playing from Coltrane and now the evolution of Potters playing from Mike’s. Michael was a genius. His recordings still sound fresh and unique and will stand the test of time.

[@jameschristiansson3137]

Played with Zappa - that Purple Lagoon solo is a monster.

[@thehanker5347]

I ought to have suspected that was him!

[@Carlos-qz7ul]

Wow, talking to Ron Carter, Elvin Jones and Michael Brecker, having him asking what do you think of his album. This seems almost unthinkable. And so many more incredible musicians. The guys weren’t out of reach, their music is

[@djangor1974]

I was fortunate enough to meet Michael Brecker in the mid-90s when he released his tales from the Hudson album. He was super nice guy and I was standing in line to get his autograph my friend had a bootleg CD from the Czech Republic that he had bought a year previous to that. Neither one of us knew it was a bootleg it was so well done and that's all we had for him to autograph it. Michael saw it and immediately told my friend " this is a bootleg my record executives are here and wouldn't want me to sign it but I'm going to do it anyways." He was so cool, beyond being a genius of modern music.

[@mrbertiep1]

So glad I was able witness his genius with: Dreams 1970 Billy Cobham 1974 & 1975 Brecker Brothers 1981 1992 Chick Corea 1981 Steps 1983 Pat Metheny/Holland/Dejohnette/Calderazzo 1997. An absolute master and innovator!!

[@enricomarconi8358]

Man, he was a true giant. It was such a blow to me when he died. A good friend of mine is married to his brother Randy and I had dinner with them in London after he passed away. I remember she contacted me looking for help and explaining Mike's problem but it was too late. A month later he sadly passed away. You should probably interview Randy Brecker at some point. The Three Quartet album was fabulous, I have Chick's score (copy of) and it's just unbelievable stuff! Plus the way they play it... OMG !!

[@enricomarconi8358]

@@mcmikah No, I'm sorry I have a photocopy of his handwritten score he sent me. Not the actual original manuscript. I believe his wife/family has that. I also spoke with Chick and we were talking about doing something together with a symphony orchestra but then he left us... I still have a few photos with him of our London's meeting though.

[@hitsnixon1722]

Is this my friend Enrico Marconi pianist? We went sailing in Ft. Lauderdale?

[@rightchordleadership]

That’s cool that your friends with Ada Rovatti

[@enricomarconi8358]

@@hitsnixon1722 In the 90s?

[@enricomarconi8358]

@@rightchordleadership We went to Berklee together - same years.

[@room34]

Great story about meeting the legends! I was a clarinet player in school and picked up tenor sax as a sophomore in high school in 1990 to be able to join the jazz band. I asked my band director (also a sax player) who I should listen to and without hesitation he said "Michael Brecker," so I immediately went out and bought Don't Try This at Home. That and Metheny's Still Life Talking were pretty much my only jazz records until I got to college. I never got anywhere close to Brecker's playing but it was great to have someone like that to aspire to. (Then in college I got into Coltrane and that was it.) I'm very glad I got the chance to hear Michael Brecker live, once, at the old Dakota in St. Paul. I believe that was on the Time Is of the Essence tour, right after Rick's studio encounter!

[@henrywasserman]

My favorite Brecker solo is on Straphangin' from the album of the same name. I also met Michael briefly at the Jazz Workshop in Boston between sets in the '70s. My friend Les Arbuckle was practically shaking when he went to introduce himself between sets. I was just tagging along - shook his hand. They passed a few jokes back and forth. Les mentioned that he especially liked his "straight ahead" solos, so Michael with horn in hand proceeded to play some bop lines as only he could. Then said "Like that?" We laughed. He was remarkably approachable and what a wonderful genius on all counts.

[@davidtecosky4364]

Mike’s grandmother was Rose Wasserman

[@henrywasserman]

@@davidtecosky4364 Ha ha my Grandma had the same name.

[@windyhillbomber]

Rick tells these wonderful stories that no matter your music taste you can’t help but be drawn into these wondrous worlds

[@shorerocks]

This is one of the things I share with you, Rick. That ultimate love for music. As a musicologist, and a rock guitar player, listening to classic music and Metallica, I cannot imagine a day without it. These are great, great videos. It's... infectious.

[@SamIAm-kz4hg]

When records were a thing, as horn players we used to check out the musicians on the liner notes. Of course Brecker's name was on EVERYTHING. Most people have heard him play many times, but don't know it. Average people without any musical training likely have no idea what a freak he was. Listen to his solos where he's going crazy. All of his ideas begin and end as complete and finished idea. It really is a mazing. A comment I once saw put it best "Michael Brecker pisses excellence." A bit crude, but right on the mark.

[@TheDesertRat31]

Right on. Mike had total control of the horn. Anything he wanted to play just came out. But it was also great to hear that he was, in fact, human but totally unafraid to play what he heard in his ears, like when he was shredding and would head up to an altissimo note and totally miss it. You would hear the lower octave pop out I stead of the upper one. He just kept right on burning. Even his "wrong" notes were great.

[@BuddyGuit]

When the band I made records with was playing in New York (maybe the Bitter End I really don’t remember) Mike came to hear us. I found myself sitting at a table with him on a break gushing about how great he was. He was so humble, gracious and kind complimenting ME. (I was in way over my head with the band I made records with). What a memory.

[@donparisheo]

When you think of all the Heavyweights that Rick has crossed paths with and the time he was star struck was meeting Michael Brecker. I find this truly special because Brecker is so unassuming, humble and laid back. Michael Brecker is a phenomenal musician. I love him on the Dan Fogelberg composition "Same old Lang Syne." His playing is beautiful on this song about Fogelberg's chance meeting an ex girlfriend upon his return home during the Christmas holidays. The fact that Rick was spellbound meeting Michael Brecker speaks well of the nature of the person Rick Beato is. I find Rick to be an amazing storyteller and an extraordinary artistic individual.

[@tipsylibrarians7764]

I caught Michael Brecker live in 1989 or maybe 1990 leading a band with Mike Stern, Jeff Andrews, Joey Calderazzo and Adam Nussbaum. Amazing stuff.

[@TheDriveDemo]

I heard that band too, in Vancouver. Only time I've heard Mike live. One of the greatest shows I've ever witnessed.

[@TheSoundOutside]

All of us who love and appreciate good music, have our favorites. To actually meet one and become friends with them is off the charts. One small bone of contention. You can't talk about wonderfully talented, generational, game-changing saxophonists without mentioning Charlie Parker. He was, in his own way, as influential or more so than even John Coltrane. As a matter of fact without Bird, there might not have been a Coltrane or a lot of other musicians including, perhaps, Michael Brecker. Anyhow...great story. Keep up the good work.

[@johnvalentine3456]

Agreed. I'm sure if Mike Brecker had been an alto player, Rick would have mentioned Bird. But you're right, Bird is the father of all modern jazz, no question about it, the greatest of them all.

[@dergroover]

To hear the news in 2007 that Michael passed away was really a shock. I was devastated. Especially "Three quartets" and the whole Brecker Bros catalogue ( Some Skunk Funk on Heavy Metal Be Bop in particular) where my holy grail and deeply influenced me (as a drummer). So good to knew that he`ll never be forgotten. Thank you Rick.

[@burger1113]

Yeah I think that was a first in my life being genuinely shocked by hearing someone I don't know personally passing away. I just stopped everything I was doing and said "oh no..."

[@operating]

There is so much music of Michael Becker that I love and his influence on a song as well. Among the top performances I love is where he was playing live at, I believe, the Fuji festival(?), where he is playing this emotional solo on trains. It pierces my heart hearing him and watching him during his solo. It’s on KZbin. It’s just stunning when he is let loose on that. Oh. It would be so cool if you’ve seen that video Rick.

[@Tomapella]

Seeing him live in high school was a life-changing moment. I’d been into jazz before but I was a full-on convert after that and threw myself into the music. He left us too soon.

[@jamesandrews8157]

When he plays Naima solo I am in awe. He conjures the divine, playing so fearlessly and with such pure tone.

[@clipdump]

james taylor's Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight - oh my, what a great solo. That was my first time hearing something he did in the studio I think. I'm sure I've heard others at an earlier age but that moved me

[@saxpride100]

The entire "Nearness of You" ballad album is a miracle of an album - one of my all-time favorites filled with tons of unforgettable moments and mesmerizing solos!

[@pinberttube]

Yes! I came here to say this

[@moreorlesslikeso]

Not to forget his solo on Paul Simon’s classic "Still crazy after all these years“ - probably many "mainstream“ listeners will remember at least this one...

[@sipsun8]

Rick you are really wonderful! The story of your incredible relationship with music delights us every time. This is why we love you so much. A warm greeting. Luca

[@ChefChrisDay]

The Meaning of the Blues with Michael's interpretation is my all time favorite.

[@EixtremeDrummer]

My favourite saxophonist ever by far. What a great composer too, I specially love his Steps Ahead work. Mike was an expectional musician and person.

[@zerosumgameplan]

What a sound, what a groove, what a perfect line - it's coming from Michael Brecker!

[@martingjsmith]

I particularly enjoyed this episode (well I enjoy them all really) as Michael Brecker was one of my two all time musical heroes (the other being Frank Zappa). I will never forget purchasing the first Brecker Brothers album when I was 21 years old and being completely blown away by the musicianship - I could not believe my ears when I first heard Some Skunk Funk. I was overjoyed when I heard Mike's contribution to the Zappa In New York album and the mind-blowing solo on The Purple Lagoon. Later in life I was fortunate to see the two brothers in concert at the Brecon Jazz Festival in Wales, and was within a couple of metres of both whilst seated in the front row. I have now been listening to Mike's playing for more than 45 years and continue to derive a huge amount of pleasure from his various albums, collaborations and guest appearances. A musical giant indeed!!

[@Osnosis]

Those Palladium shows at Halloween were incredible. Zappa always had an amazing band. I missed those shows with Brecker, but you are so right about Purple Lagoon. Don’t forget The Black Page Drum Solo…

[@joannevincent2035]

Ever since his elegant solo on James Taylor's "Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight" I was hooked on Michael, and of course, brother Randy. I was also terribly saddened by Michael's early death. Rest in peace, Michael.

[@joshuacervenkamusic327]

I remember the first time I heard the Becker Brothers when I was starting to get into jazz/fusion when I was a late teenager/early 20s. Their stuff is life changing. Every time I go back and listen to Michael, there is always new things to learn as a musician.

[@teresagorden5984]

I have been a Michael Brecker fan since meeting my future husband who was a Sax player, who played every instrument , but maybe bagpipes. He turned me into Jazz, but I will always be a classic rock fan. He played with rock bands, but his love was jazz. To hear Coltrane, Shorter , McCann, and many more jazz icons was another door opening for me. So, at 16 I fell for jazz, and my husband. Music is life changing for many. I saw Mr. Brecker playing twice. Such a loss. He. was one of the best. Thank you for all your shows, even the short ones that have made up part of your musical life and many others. Truly, Thank You.

[@chrishenson4450]

I'm gratified to know I'm not the only person who air drums whenever I hear Steve Gadd play.

[@chopland1]

His solo on “Self Portrait” from Steps Ahead 1986 Tokyo Concert

[@JeremyMonteiroTV]

You’re right. Mike was one of the greatest and one of the nicest people. A few months before he died, he wrote me and said, “Hey Jeremy, how are you doing? You must be making amazing music as usual”. Man, he had that way of always being kind and lifting people. I miss him very much.

[@themarcbon]

Your stories, your music, you insights, your friendships, your interviews and all that you share in this channel is tremendously inspiring. Thank you for opening up and sharing so much with us.

[@randyo.6138]

One of my top three favorite musicians of all time. The best concert I have ever seen was Michael Brecker with Mike Stern on guitar. My favorite Breaker recording is Tales From The Hudson, its a masterpiece.

[@michaelmattioli7230]

I did the same and played Three Quartets when Chick died having seen that show as well in LA - #1 is my fav. Definitely the best sax player in my lifetime in so many ways… he has been missed.

[@theblackechomusic]

'Pilgrimage' remains one of my all time favourite jazz records. Such an incredible lineup of musicians and the tunes are astounding. It's so powerful that he wanted to make one final body of work to leave behind despite dealing with such an agonising condition and being only mere months from passing away.

[@yutaka69roger]

My memory of meeting Michael Brecker in person was Feb 1995 in NYC, Blue Note Club to see Brecker Brothers Band. I shared a table with his neighbors he invited, because the day was birthday of his daughter Jessica ! He came to our table before second set to say hello to his neighbors and I could introduce my self and he was also very nice to me also.He was such a wonderful person and his playing on that day is a kind of jaw dropping, super great ! I miss him very much !

[@blueleadgoldproductions133]

I have always loved Michael Brecker's solo on the tune Heather from Billy Cobham's Crosswinds album. Pure melody and emotion

[@marcustorigian829]

Thank you for sharing that wonderful and personal story. As a sax player, first beginning to learn in the 1980’s, the first time I heard Michael Brecker, my musical world was forever changed. His music has always has been a bedrock of inspiration for me ever since then.

[@ruairimadigan863]

Steps Ahead are still one of my favorite acts ...adore "Oops" from Modern Times...such a brilliant Musician. He made the Saxophone as an instrument so accessible to someone like me who was strictly a guitar player and his technique and phrasing really helped me appreciate other instruments. A Legend.

[@jonp4846]

Steps Ahead are great. So many great tunes. "Islands" is one of my favorites tunes. The earlier version of the band, Steps, was also great. "Not Ethiopia" off of the album "Smokin in the Pit" is a great cut!

[@backbeatfragrances]

Yes, Steps Ahead was an incredible band. Loved his work on those recordings.

[@jedmcmahon1659]

What an amazing musician. Tales From The Hudson still blows me away every time I come back to it.

[@JimReuterskiold]

That version of "Free Man In Paris" from "Shadows And Light" is my favorite Joni Mitchell recording ever.

[@KeithHutchinsonYT]

Montpelier 88, i was touring in Europe, staggering onto a tiny balcony one of the guys called me and said, 'you know who this is".... it's Mike Brekker, i was dressed in seconds and by the pool, me and Mike with our feet in the pool discussing Sax and samplers etc etc etc.... Rick, listening to you excitedly talking about Mike brought it all back, tears in my eyes listening to him with Ogermann and Chick and the Breckers.... so awesome. Thank you Rick for the reminder of true greatness. Have you interviewed my main hero, sorry, other main hero "John McLaughlin".... if not please try to get him into your studio or wherever...oh, and please send me an invite....Happy Xmas.

[@KeithHutchinsonYT]

Hey Rick, mid 2000's I called him and asked him to play on my album called Hidden Rooms, he agreed to come to South Africa and then tragedy struck, I will never know but can imagine that my trax would have been so much better with his genius and I would have learned so much. All the best to you Mike wherever you are, hope you're burning it up with the great band in the sky. God bless Michael Brecker.

[@JohnA000]

I saw him many years ago with his brother when he was still with us back in the early 70's. They were playing at the jazz workshop with Horace Silver. It was wonderful.

[@bobansak2583]

I saw him during that same era since Horace Silver was a fave of my father.

[@JohnA000]

@@bobansak2583 and no pun intended but one of my faves is song for my father. :)

[@bobansak2583]

@@JohnA000 I had a friend play that song at my Dad's "death celebration". My playing had degraded after not playing trumpet for a decade so I didn't join in. I did play a single verse "A closer Walk w/Thee" while my sister spread his ashes in the ocean outside the Golden Gate bridge.

[@JohnA000]

@@bobansak2583 That was a nice tribute.

[@ddslahsddslahs6690]

Ok. Rick has elevated to the stratosphere. All the greats that have passed are here with him

[@aharchives]

Allan Holdsworth was a massive fan of Mike Brecker. He told Guitar World in 1989: "I was fortunate enough one time to be talking to Michael Brecker about what's probably my favorite album of all time, Cityscapes, by Claus Ogerman and Brecker. God, what an awesome record that is, man; everybody should own it. It's a really subtle, deep record with wonderful orchestration and fantastic playing by Brecker."

[@garydonnelly100]

Back when the Return of the BBB tours were going on I went to see them with a buddy of mine who was writing a transcription book of some of Michael's solos. We were going to hang with them for a bit after the show. When they finished we were just sitting around waiting to go back to hang and Randy came out and came up to me and sat down and we just started talking. That's how those guys were. Well, we eventually head backstage and my friend is showing Mike one of the new transcriptions and he's studying it and finally looks up at Carl and goes, "I played THAT??" We're all getting a chuckle out of that. The incredulous look on his face was priceless. He shook his head, "Wow, OK, if you say so. I didn't know i could do that." The more I listen to what he'd done over the years, the more I really believe that he might arguably be the greatest musician that ever lived.

[@gktde9874]

WOW... Three Quartets was my first jazz record. Masterpiece!

[@michaelsparks8632]

Rick what a treasure you are for me personally, you have opened up so much amazing music and performers for me that I would never have discovered. It’s such a gift, thank you Rick, thank you!

[@davestephens6421]

Love it when Rick talks jazz....he knows all the great music and muso,,'s... RIP Michael Brecker

[@frederickdouglass9007]

You interview with Ron Carter is one of your best. Ron is not only a musical genius but an actual intellectual genius. His musical memories is vast and deep! He is one of my favorite stand-up bass players!

[@michaelbrickley2443]

One of the all time greats

[@cozmicpfunk]

Awesome story- I remember hearing Brecker's work on Steely Dan and Donald Fagen back in the day, totally amazing! Also heard Kevin Shirley referred to as "The Caveman" while he was working with "Rush" on Counterparts. Love your stories- please keep sharing them with us

[@daucoin3950]

I loved The Brecker Brothers ! In the late 70s as a teen I was into looking up studio musicians on various jazz and funk albums. No internet, it was hours in record stores scanning album jackets 😌. I first came across them on Mothership Connection and took a chance buying a used copy of “ Back to Back”. The very first track, keep it steady, had me hooked.

[@ekstradycja]

Don't forget Michael Brecker also plays on Mark Knopfler's beautiful soundtrack Local Hero and obviously on Your Latest Trick from Brothers in Arms record

[@twangbarfly]

Mark Knopfler grew up in Newcastle upon Tyne, and the theme music from Local Hero, the beautiful "Going Home", featuring Mark and Steps, is played over the tannoy in front of 52 000 fans at every home game of local football club Newcastle United . Imagine hearing Mike and Mark on match days - fantastic!! It gives me a real thrill when I am there. Mark Knopfler, a Newcastle United fan since boyhood, says that he is immensely proud that his music is played at Saint James' Park. in front of 52000 fans. I am immensely proud that Michael Brecker gets to "play in front of 52 000 fans" like this, and to many thousands more around the world who tune in on match day.

[@gmosc]

I drove him to that clinic at NTSU that you showed. 45 minutes in my van with him was wonderful. So humble.

[@AlanMearns-YesTheRaven]

I love it when you get to meet your heroes and raise the musical IQ of the whole internet! Merry Christmas!

[@twangbarfly]

Alan, you have raised the musical IQ of many musicians too, and certainly mine - for which I thank you profoundly!

[@BoCoOverland]

Rick, Thank you for making g this video tribute to Michael. He is my all time favorite sax player and this brought me to tears. His music and these stories help to keep him alive.