Michael Brecker - African Skies Skylark/ Interview - 1997

August 21, 1997
Promotional appearance on a Japanese News Station
Joey Calderazzo - piano

[@rightchordleadership]

Had all of Trane’s technical and creative abilities plus a distinctly modern touch born of listening to pop, R&B and rock as a young man. The complete package. The GOAT.

[@sbaiar]

I've heard Brecker more times than I can count. I heard him play live twice and on recordings in more styles than I can count. As a forever aspiring saxophone player his solo on Skylark was one of the most beautiful things I've heard. So effortless, completely intuitive, perfectly flowing, and oh that sound... that sound... I just don't think there will ever be another like him. I still can't get over his passing... As many others have said on many other comment sections on countless other videos all over the internet, I can attest to the fact that Michael was one of the nicest and most humble men I've ever met. I was able to hang out with him at an after concert get together at the host band's house in Spokane, Wa when I was in college (Washington State University) as a sophomore in '86-'87. Spoke with him about his living in New York and other subjects. He was completely approachable, unassuming, gentle spirited, and just plain nice. I'll never forget him and he'll unavoidably forever influence my playing and the way I hear.

[@francescoviola2464]

forever aspiring, inspiring :)

[@freddylebanon]

Michael Breckers death was the generational equivalent of Parkers passing in my own lifetime..I didn't know how to accept it..

[@luksaxtenor]

5:15 moved me into tears... A STATE OF ART... unspeakable, unbelievably breathtaking... R.I.P M.B.

[@ArtemShevtsov]

Here is what a friend of mine had to say about video after watching: Kevin написал: Thanks, Artem. That was great. The funny thing is how nervous and uncomfortable he looked and how glad he seemed to be when they finally asked him to play again. He jumped off of the chair! He really was a humble guy. I liked when he gave all of the other musicians the credit for his winning Grammy awards. Nice guy. I'm sorry I never met him. I did hear him play live once. RIP, Michael....

[@florenciafirpo9418]

Despegado, mucha música y mucha humanidad en una sola persona. Que genial por lo menos saber que existe su música y escucharla desde niña. Tengo 29 años soy uruguaya y lamentablemente nunca lo ví en vivo, si viviera una próxima vida sería lo primero que haría. Mi saxofonista favorito sin dudas, el y Coltrane, pero debo decir que Brecker más aún. Aunque ya no toque el saxofón, este señor fue una inspiración en mis comienzos como música y ahora como docente de educación musical.

[@Dana_Danarosana]

Once Michael Brecker was at one with knowing he would die, he made a point of making music right up to the end... and it was among his best playing. If you haven't heard his final CD "Pilgrimage", go buy it right now and sit down and experience the chills, smiles, tears, goosebumps, and an overload of sighs and even more of his trademark "holy s***" moments!! Another planned project was to perform with his brother Randy once more. That performance was to be the 2007 Playboy Jazz Festival... but, sadly, he passed 4 months too soon. I was in the audience. The show DID go on but with Bill Evans playing the reed parts. We were up in the cheap seats but you could see the teeth and beaming pride on Randy Brecker's face way up there even without looking at the big screens that adorn the sides of the Hollywood Bowl. Between the raw emotions and the music itself, I'd have to say that particular Randy Brecker performance gave me the most goosebumps that have ever been on my arms my entire life!!

[@nyantango]

Thanks Michael for beautiful "skylark". I miss you.

[@TheArnoldnikolaus]

Such a New York City sound. Greatest place on earth. Wow. What a privilege it was to follow you throughout the years. Rip, Michael. You are greatly missed.

[@ArtemShevtsov]

This video shows what a humble guy he was too!..I have found amazing bootleg of skylark from 1996 in Europe...keep listening to it over and over again.Thanks, Michael:)

[@globeisnotpyramid]

Amazing how fluent he is dancing through all the scales!

[@freddylebanon]

When it comes to jazz the Japanese people are so hip!

[@wardlewis35]

yeah he was mike as the duke said mike we love you madly and i miss you brother you gave and you still give

[@Waikoalaman]

The incredible thing about his playing is that his sound is just so... modern. If you think about it, this is 15 years ago, and it still sounds like it could've been played a week ago. Just a brief thought on the never-ending sound of Michael Brecker.

[@MrRamsden13]

Bravo! Tks for posting

[@bgorrell]

Just beautiful!

[@akliluwy]

Its amazing! for me as a musician, he is the one who is reach in a versatile approaches of improvisation.

[@mgiaca]

Excellant and Michael really love'd Japan

[@TheSupersaxman94]

Michael, you are greatly missed.

[@Kathyc1961]

I miss you Mike!!!!!

[@kennybradshaw2122]

Excellent

[@PaddieFunk]

breckers sound was bright and edgy but it still had an element of touching roundness to it

[@mgiaca]

All ways the greatest

[@divine2hide]

Miss you!

[@m6nj]

I miss you!!!!!!!!!:(

[@saviogoncalves]

Bravo!

[@jazzzzdude]

This is awesome! Even by Michael's standards!

[@luismeviyu28]

El mejor ..... Simplemente el mejor!!!!

[@roanmccormick2297]

Skylark :)

[@danbunch1514]

Parker, Coltrain, the alto player whom played with Coltrain.(Sorry cant remember the name.) Saddens mew. Im so glad we have KZbin for all this fantastic archive

[@robertjohnson586]

Eric Dolphy

[@45horace]

cannonball aderley was alto player

[@jazzpiazu95]

Dios Mío!!!!My Godness!!!

[@wardlewis35]

mike ballad skylark he was not trane nor berg nor sanborn nor earl bostic he was mike and he will always touch my heart I lived for his christmas gig later years long after 7th ave south

[@stikkyniks22]

4:30 :)

[@supersache1]

a very missing giant!!!

[@gjbsaxman94]

haha brecker has the wierdest laugh