Michael Brecker - Delta City Blues - 1998

[@ghostofgrover]

In the deepest recesses of the musician's woodshed there lurks a monster. This beast has no weakness: Phrasing. Mulitphonics. Altissimo. Speed. Feel. He is the complete saxophonist. An abominable snowman frolicking on Everest. That animal is Michael Brecker.

[@romanholder6556]

He is the apex of musicianship. It is absolutely incredible.

[@SAXloungeEF]

An animal???? ☹️☹️☹️ Know what you mean, but can't agree at all! It's his humanity that makes all this possible!!!

[@winnibop]

⁸999h⁸​@@SAXloungeEF

[@insaneintherainmusic]

Sounds like he's playing two horns at once :D

[@Moinsdeuxcat]

Funny to see you here, Carlos :) Love your work! Solo sax arrangement with multiple voices without any multi-tracking coming someday? That would be challenging and fun!

[@billabbott6092]

Saw his brother Randy play a couple of weeks ago, superb performance. He had an interesting comment when asked about Michael. He said that Michael was so idolized and copied that it drove him to constantly practice and push himself to a new level in order to stay ahead of his disciples and continue to satisfy his many fans. Almost a curse to be that good because it's like a drug to the fans and they demand more and more. Miss him alot

[@gnaagren]

Bill Abbott Reminds me of Jaco Pastorius, without the fatal gravitation towards drugs. ...but I guess life always finds away to rob us of the great before their time. :(

[@MagnusAnand]

I yet have to see one sax player that can match him.

[@aqualili]

Maybe Chris Potter, in his own way?

[@thebreathalyzer]

@@aqualili Chris is wonderful also, for sure!

[@romeoperrin7524]

Maybe chad lb

[@c.j.molland9328]

“Genius” does not even begin to sum this man up

[@Boffey1]

I don't care where you might have studied as a musician or one's musical honours this is playing of the highest order - aurally and musically, Michael was clearly gifted - it's great for me to show my son ( 4th generation musician) .

[@railcar123]

Mastery of an instrument transcends time

[@saxysai]

I genuinely grieved when he died. He was a musical genius. I could never even HOPE to get to the level he was at...just an incredible musician.

[@SayntJericho]

I can never hear this tune without cracking a huge smile. It's just too good!

[@coolman4393]

If you look at his fingerings, its more overtones than fundamentals. This guys a master.

[@saxyrep1]

Brecker's absolute control and melodicity is a match made in heaven! Beautiful, I love the guys!

[@saxtarr2000]

This is why Michael Brecker is the world champ! We will never see another. To be able to go from low to high with that much confidence is what separates him from everyone else!

[@mourafmarcos]

This instrument's performance is impressive. So I will be discouraged in learning to play the saxophone. Unbelievable. A genius.

[@hudjazz]

Meu filho de 1 ano pirou aqui ouvindo Michael Brecker...Michael seu legado permanece pra sempre!!!!🎵🎶🎼

[@Chromatype]

I am a guitarist that first heard Brecker in 1987 and he completely woke me up to thinking about music and lines...he kinda opened up the world of music to me when I first heard Syzygy...something about that solo just made me want a new direction in playing. He's incredible.

[@Gunbudder]

i've never heard another sax player play this correctly. its impossible

[@hipppocket]

Michael Brecker is part of the evolving human element of creativity ... If it wasn't for Ornette Coleman , John Coltrane, Charlie Parker...etc.... There would not be a Michael Brecker.... and as Michael Brecker will inspire some youngster somewhere on the planet to do greater things with the sax than he has. I'm sure Michael would agree and encourage progressive advancements from other great talented individuals. Thank you Michael for your contribution to music on the planet earth......and be

[@lckeeper1]

Couldn't agree more. Brecker was my main influence in high school. Always seemed, at least to me, to the the pinnacle to modern sax playing. Something to strive for, if you will. I literally shed a tear watching some youtube vids after his passing.

[@discipleofrock1993]

I am 16 years old. And the only one of my friends that plays or listens to jazz. They don't know what they"re missing

[@zolandj]

Michael Brecker is fairly new to me, and every time I watch a different video of him, I am blown away by something I've never heard before.

[@stealthswimmer]

Another one of my favorite songs. I like Michael Brecker's style of playing. There isn't necessarily a set theme to absolutely everything. It depends on the song and how he feels. For instance I'm pretty sure you can tell he's having a whole lot of fun with this song. It's like he's breathing life into the room.

[@panameramange2036]

Amazing sax playing. One of the best =)

[@dianoraacosta8175]

Wow!!👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@Eduaro2U]

Absolutely awesome - what a talented, creative and gifted man he was. Bless you Michael - like Steve Jobs you changed the world for the better. :-))

[@runciter58]

In the first moment you listen Micheal you are impressed by incredible tecnique, but then you elize that the most amazing thing is the inventive he has! PLAY FOR EVER MIKE!

[@hnrqer91]

This version is the best one. I had to say this.

[@jazz0saxophone]

I feel the same way as you two. It wrenches at my heart just thinking of his passing, such a great musician. R.I.P. Michael

[@wideangel18]

A truly amazing artist, Michael Brecker will always be inspire and continue to astound those who follow in his steps!

[@KrestonSmith]

I am ever inspired by Michael. His legacy lives on through his music!

[@disgruntleddave]

Rest in peace. As close as I've ever had to a hero, he will always be a true inspiration. The news is making me so sad right now. All we can do is be thankful that we got as long as we did with this man.

[@cliffbnelson]

I can tell you without doubt, that is the last thing Mike would ever want, He told me once when I was still in college "Play the horn for you and you will always have an audience who really digs your playing" Keep playing and He lives on

[@bandchick47]

WOW! im sooo amazed! that is an example of a god sent talent... NO one PERIOD! can be that good!

[@sigmayacht]

I come back and watch this again and again, and am constantly amazed at the complexity of this piece. I mean, sure Im not a huge fan of his tone, or his technique, but this is some masterful playing. Definitely one of the hardest pieces that I've ever seen written for the sax.

[@WyattWalkerWear]

True dat. Multiphonics are difficult in the first place, but getting them to sound right is even harder. Just more proof that Brecker was a true sax master.

[@SmeeUncleJoe]

Ahhh my first hearing of Brecker....but it won't be my last. Amazing !! If there are musicians that feel KZbin posters are ripping them off, I'll be hustling over to Amazon to buy some of this today.... and I thought I hated jazz. Can't get enough now !!

[@marshaross2412]

This is definitely a jazz conversation at is finest..... lots of great thoughts. love it

[@semperfidelis828]

one of the greatest his works- love it so much!!

[@chrisium]

Rest in Peace, Micheal. We will miss you & your music, all over the world!

[@evergreach2346]

Only Michael Brecker could do this on a saxophone on purpose.

[@AsherSax]

One of my favorite sax songs. I could never hope to play this well, but I sure will try. I think Mr. Brecker would have wanted musicians to go beyond those as himself. Rest peacefully, Mr. Brecker.

[@perromanchado]

He was and still is untouchable.

[@brinty45]

This is absolutely fantastic.

[@gryhound22]

holy crap this guy can play! Have you seen the transcription for this?!? It's like...SUPER FREAKY how hard it is! it sounds sorta simple...but DAMN it's hard!wow..

[@Freenex]

9 people clicked the dislike button because they have never seen a really talented musician before.

[@zachgross3299]

0:56 he's like "that's right bitch"

[@ThomasHutchingsMusic]

He makes me cry

[@5wift]

Phenominal, This truely is the pinnacle of sax playing. Saw him play this at Ronnie Scotts. He truely was the quizat haderack.

[@pacolecce]

il grandissimo brecker è sempre nel mio cuore

[@rkosh1]

you guys can argue over whether or not he liked his own sound, but the fact is that everyone who ever listened to him, thought that it was great. besides, every musician works for his entire life to improve on tone

[@catmatou]

Joey Calderazoo is the piano player. From New Rochelle, NY. One of the hottest jazz pianists on the scene.

[@cmtyus]

Thanks

[@claryscat]

Science AND technology!! No Doubt! This is simply self explanitory if you have ears. I saw this stuff live many times in the last 28 years. We are gonna miss him. Saw him at Yoshi's not long ago and we just laughed through most of the set it was so ridiculous! RIP

[@WitchcrafterPan]

it's absolutely true and wonderful what you are saying

[@TheMusikI]

Sadly, stolen from Earth much too soon. Inspiration and idol.

[@MelloCello7]

No seriously?!😰

[@Motty1066]

This man is a hero. The world is duller and smaller because of his untimely death. Thank you thank you thank you

[@luqueymartinez5260]

LUNGS OF STEEL.

[@PattiFederico]

Michael sei stato il più grande!!!

[@soultaker1083]

Michael Brecker is one of my idols...even though i play piano, i still love his music...such a shame that he might die from his battle of MDS....

[@xxgoalie99xx]

best song in my opinion. kudos to brecker amazing guy. rip

[@lugapsax]

@banditjr770 it's a selmer mark VI with a Guardala modified mouthpiece. In fact Guardala brand still produces a mouthpiece named "Brecker".

[@jiggymonkey88]

I wish I could play NEARLY this good. Plus this sounds so fun to play ( I know I sound corny!) :)

[@epSaxMan101]

i tried several horns myself too. vintage and new. still went with the EX! :)

[@dannybrigg]

the master.. if only he could have lived longer, god only knows what he would have come up with by now.god bless im

[@Tom_Esch]

I think I'll watch that again x5

[@GTRandolph1964]

There is no greater living tenor saxophonist than Michael. I love Newk Rollins, but he is Michael's only equal. R.I.P. Michael Greg

[@cliffbnelson]

@jschools09 thanks for the rebuff, I didn't even notice it until today. I guess some people just don't get it. I never said anything other than I spoke with the guy. Guess he's got sax envy or something.

[@paulostroff99]

Amazing.TY mobius11 for posting.

[@XfreeXskierX31X]

ugh. michael will always be the master of overtones. i wish i a quarter of his talent.

[@Mrartwist]

Best saxophonist ever ... dat genius

[@mzarum]

Thanks for posting this!

[@IkanGelamaKuning]

I think the best tenor sax sound is Michael Brecker sound.

[@damayer92]

brecker is incredible. he plays the COOLEST lick at 5:24. if i ever get to be that good at anything i'll die happy.

[@MsAndyes]

Simplemente EL MEJOR!

[@jbosaxman]

As only he could.............no one else could

[@MrAztec20030]

He is unbelievable!!!

[@thatyellow65]

I look up to this guy! He's AWESOME! For a sax player like me at least.

[@stealthswimmer]

Gotta love those multiphonics he does! :)

[@54spiritedwill54]

BRECKER ROCKS LOVE THAT SOUND

[@ne0n_black]

One of the few people who sound correct on multiphonics..

[@tunepeddler]

@highrollerzzz You are right. Actually learning to produce them isn't too hard, but being able to finesse them and have a good sense of musicality is. Great performance!

[@muel0341]

unbelievable...

[@skarule14]

this song pwns and so does brecker!!

[@CareerPathTeam]

that was awesome

[@ishta]

@stevolight Looks like an Otto Link Tone Master NY with a 7 opening maybe -- but it has probably been worked / modified. He does use the stock ligature although a lot of folks use the Selmer ligature for that. mouthpiece.

[@Shesh0911]

simply the best

[@djjjamin]

damn that guy has a LOT of music in him!

[@mysteriemannen]

Awesome stuff

[@TheNatealator]

@shermanb300 I could totally believe that, except I read an interview in Downbeat where he said he only got to see Coltrane one time, at one of his last concerts.

[@eberbone]

thank's Mike

[@melodistman]

When God plays the saxophone it's a good idea to listen!

[@flurbaflurbs]

Michael Brecker is one of the greats, along with kenny G and Grover Washington Jr.

[@Napalm30308]

@highrollerzzz Indeed you are correct sir, as a tenor sax player, I can say, trying to squeal without cracking or sounding bad is indeed very difficult.

[@MrCappon1111]

I strongly feel that Brecker already inspired a phenomenal player, his name is Chis Potter.

[@hinesdt]

@highrollerzzz He's essentially playing stride saxophone. Hard enough to do on a piano, but insanely difficult on a saxophone.

[@5wift]

@anthonysimeon try using Transcribe! it's a great programme for slowing down solos.

[@bridog6996]

Setup is definitely not completely irrelevant. Michael Brecker is a masterful sax player, one of the best I've heard. If you gave him a shitty saxophone he would still sound good, but he simply wouldn't able to pull off certain manuevers that he does on his top-of-the-line shit. That's why good saxophones are good and shitty saxophones are shitty.

[@highrollerzzz]

thanks, man! even though I'm not that much satisfied, but I'll keep on practicing :]

[@walsh93jazz]

@ishta that is not a link! its his signature garduala piece. though i was told at the start of his career he used a link, but in a smaller tip opening a 5 or 6.

[@largemoose]

Damn this is sweet.

[@alessandrocrescimbeni7667]

The best!!

[@RelevantWolf]

Don't suppose anyone has an exact transcription of this do they? haha :P