Michael Brecker talking about his solo on Donald Fagen's Maxine

Recorded February 11 1984, Berklee Shool of Music Boston

[@godfreydegrut]

Thanks Louis. I was fortunate to be playing alto in the Rodger Fox Big Band, supporting Michael when he toured NZ in 2004. Michael was so generous with his knowledge and amazing anecdotes. I asked him specifically about that Maxine solo and he did say it was probably constructed from 2 takes with a single edit in the middle. He asked about my mark 6 soprano one time after a show and I showed it to him, he asked if he could blow it I SAID BE MY GUEST. He just smashed the most amazing music out of it for about 30 seconds (using my mouthpiece and reed!), handed it back and said "Nice horn".

[@ewi4000]

Hi Godfrey, thanks for the great story!!! I remember him saying that too somehow. Maybe I have the quote somewhere in my archive. So great you were with the Roger Fox band back then. I have some recordings of that in the archive. If you come across any memories in the form of photos or video I’d be very interested. I do have a small portion of Delta city blues filmed from the side of the stage. Probably posted by a band member. Thanks again, Louis.

[@godfreydegrut]

@@ewi4000 Kia ora dude. Yes I believe a bunch of video exists filmed by the Bari players wife. I will reach out and see if we can get it online. Your channel is just amazing, thanks for all the wonderful footage and transcriptions.

[@ewi4000]

@@godfreydegrut wow, that would be great!! If you want to reach me via email, it's on my (bit old) website. www.michaelbreckerliverecordings.com

[@rickperlstein9988]

I love it. The jazzitude. All the greats have it.

[@thebreathalyzer]

Mike was very diplomatic there, lol. That record did come out so amazing!

[@duncansmith8992]

Maxine is probably Donald’s most complex, melodically beautiful song…..and Michaels solo is beyond perfection. God bless Michael…..and I a, not religious.

[@kevingimmemusic]

Man. I'm like Donald and it's probably not a good thing. But Donald is THAT DUDE.