When the solo is so heartbreaking you reconsider life

This solo never fails to capture emotionally and take you onto a ride that leaves you in a different state. The build up is incredible, Michael Brecker and the rest of the band have so much cohesion that accumulates here. This solo is from "Common Grounds", a beautiful ballad written by Mike Stern, here performed live in Barcelona 1992.
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[@SharpElevenMusic]

Hi all, if you want the Pdf for this solo, click this link to get access to our vault of 350+ saxophone & guitar solo transcriptions for Free 🎷: www.sharpelevenmusic.com/transcriptions You can also support us on Patreon and drop suggestions there (+ exclusive Pdf's and many other extra's): patreon.com/sharpeleventranscriptions

[@romariogranderomariogrande5454]

I dont need Dr John ma

[@user-mm3sd3uh6y]

i watched the video..nah..i'm underwhelmed.

[@mfranke1]

„I have often mentioned that the most treacherous location in the jazz world was to be on a bandstand as the guy who has to play the solo right after Mike Brecker.“ - Pat Metheny’s very true words at the memorial service.

[@keithk.3963]

Randy spoke about a video on KZbin where you can see him having one of those moments. When you watch it, you can absolutely see it in his eyes. Mike had just gotten finished ripping a hole in the space/time continuum… I would have taken it back to the head immediately. 😂

[@Andrew_M_Ward]

Frequently that guy that had to follow Michael Brecker was his brother Randy...

[@steveruzich3273]

After Michael Brecker died, I heard Pat Metheny on the radio talking about Brecker's amazing solo on James Taylor's "Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight". Metheny said that he was driving when he heard it, and nearly drove off the road. I can understand.

[@CharlesPayet]

@@steveruzich3273 that was Michael Brecker!?!? I never realized!

[@biffphuddle6581]

Snooze.

[@jamiemeansjamesmusic]

This, this is why Mike reigns supreme. He knew when to shred, when to play bebop, but he also knew how to be soulful. Everything he did was 100% intentful, from his heart and mind. He was the best of the best.

[@mide8845]

Damn right

[@MrMischelito]

There is no "best of the best"

[@jarrilaurila]

I absolutely love Mike's playing, originality, many of his songs and overall humble spirit he has. His tone on the other hand has always bugged me.

[@sbaiar]

@@jarrilaurila His tone bugs you??!! That is one of his hallmark qualities above any other - that sound! You are literally the first person I have ever heard say that about Michael Brecker. Lol Now I'm very curious, whose tone does appeal to you? Name a few. I'm honestly interested.

[@jarrilaurila]

@@sbaiar i was speaking about Mike Stern. Im not an expert of Sax, but Breckers tone is topnotch. Sorry my bad.

[@connorellis9830]

It always touches me how Michaels solos were simultaneously so technically complex and impressive but also told wonderfully meaningful stories at the same time. I’ll spend the rest of my life chasing that balance and that is just fine with me. The world misses your goodness, Michael ❤❤❤

[@skinnysnorlax1876]

I always think of great performances, particularly in jazz, as having a conversation with someone *really* smart, but who is also a really good communicator. You understand the words and concepts they are using, but they put them together in such an elegant way that it elevates your understanding. Musicians can do that same thing, but with sound. Michel Petrucciani, my favorite pianist, did that. You could always follow him, even if he dove down a rabbit hole, lol. Same exact thing here. He gets all the technical jargon behind music, but never let go of the heart of it

[@stephenwolfe3699]

I told my brother how sad it was that there was no donor match for his cancer. My brother quite casually observed, "That's because he was one of a kind."

[@extremadrummer]

This is "how to talk with a sax" lesson.

[@npeabs]

I've been listening, and playing all of my life. I've listened to Mike all of my life. This is, hands-down, the best solo, any genre, I've ever heard. Mike was a gift. RIP

[@danon668]

How about My one and only love?

[@hankwilliams5622]

...there are a few that are even better. Not many though.

[@danon668]

@@hankwilliams5622 which ones are your top3 then?

[@hankwilliams5622]

@@danon668 Hwew is one of several...kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKDcmZ-XmZtnY9U

[@mikeloshak6772]

@@danon668 Hmmm, in my humble opinion his solos on Trains and Pools are colossal.

[@jdrosborough]

This is really, honestly and truly, the best solo anyone ever did. Ever.

[@ezequielgarciapinilla3016]

Thanks Mike Stern for this composition. Unlimited thanks Michael Brecker , unlimited thanks... crying for this celestial solo.

[@TunedNoise]

How does Mike Stern always write the most devastatingly beautiful ballads? Just heart-stopping, every single one of them 😭

[@Eden_Rubin_Music]

Oh men, this solo is really something, always touched my heart. Just show how at the same night he can break your face with "Some Skunk Funk" and be so technical and emotional at once, and then melt your heart with this. The thing I love the most about Mike Brecker was the fact that he was very emotional and using phrases and feels that came from the more "popular music"/"smooth jazz" world and at the same time being able to kick your ass playing the most sophisticated kind of jazz at the same time, Giant Steps or something. My favourite Saxophone player of all times.

[@keithk.3963]

Well said. 👍

[@michaelmintchev6010]

the way this solo ends is really what gets me. after building the softest bits to snare hits that feel like slaps, and michael builds it to a point that seems so nuts you can't imagine what comes next, the band softening to a whisper, and it seem like michael can barely get the next notes out. really intense

[@sonjatiemessen1336]

It is so amazing to hear how someone is able to tell a story without using words, just let his heart speak through his tenor saxophone! 🎷🇳🇱

[@loganfox6199]

How did i get tears in my eyes and then end up smiling within a few minutes. That was absolutely incredible.

[@Darksage5555]

I just can't belive how even when he plays such technically demanding phrases, it never ceases to be musical.

[@laurenhoward2888]

I have become addicted to this solo. It’s so emotional.

[@jossfunk]

Ouffff What a SOLO ! Michael know how to build a solo to a climax and then just depose it like a feather . the one and only Michael.

[@82zmam]

Often overlooked by his incredible shredding, Mike Stern writes some amazing ballads and “Common Ground” is among my favorites with such beautiful changes. It’s the perfect palette to showcase Breckers melodic lyrical soloing. Listen to the original recorded version on Mike’s “Odds or Evens” especially his solo which is as riveting as Breckers one here. Huge fan of both.

[@L9C1C5]

Thank you for remindier to check out Mike's incredible original version. Just spun it for the first time in many years (on Odds Or Evens not Upside) Stunning playing.

[@82zmam]

@@L9C1C5 you are correct it’s on Odds or Evens. Corrected

[@sbaiar]

I very possibly may have commented on this before, but that is without question, beyond a shadow of a doubt, one of Michael's most unbelievable solos. It has brought me to tears on multiple occasions, gives me chills every time. Oh, I miss you Mike.

[@kevinnathanson6876]

At the peak of musical greatness, at the top of the pyramid, is the notion of 'transcendence'. Where all the theory, dexterity, musicality, ensemble awareness, and pure technical mastery of one's instrument just fade away, and all that is left is feeling. Itzhak Perlman, Michael Brecker, Bill Evans are three. It's a pretty short list. We miss you Michael; so glad I got to see you all of the times that I did, you made them unforgettable.

[@guitarjonn7103]

One of the musicians I miss the most and this is a great example of why. Thanks for posting it.

[@paulmaglio9254]

I have to admit that outside of the brass world, I don't know many soloists, so I have no idea how the algorithm got me here - I'm just glad it did. This was an unbelievable solo!

[@danielllarenasaxofonista6416]

Michael Brecker! Never disappoints. Genius, RIP.

[@SharpElevenMusic]

This solo never fails to move me personally. Everything is in there: expansive motif building (on Randy's last motif of his solo), dexterity, sound (from beautiful subtone to a projective bright sound), and most of all insane amounts of expressiveness. Not to mention how great the band builds together with Brecker (Dennis Chambers, wow!). How the solo builds to a climax, then to lay it down right at the end... It always gives me personally goosebumps, occasionally a tear. And I know I'm not the only one, according to the comment section on the source video. Why do you think this is such a great solo? Let me know in the comments. /Jorre

[@Marunius]

Hard to top your list, but let me add: The ideas on diminished chords, the occasional dirt, the context adds more emotional value too.

[@raffaeleragusa2824]

I played it as a transcription test at one of my last conservatory exams last July......I truly believe it's one of the best live solos of all times.....of every genre, every style, every instrument.....so touching, it speaks

[@sbaiar]

Well, it's also a ballad, so that elicits and adds a certain amount of emotion by default. Also, his sound is unparalleled as a saxophonist. Moreover, the crescendo by Chambers, coupled with Michael's melodic (and all the above) response is borderline orgasmic. I'm trying not to exaggerate, but let's be real here!

[@AnAmericanComposer]

My old sax instructor, Carl Coan, told me that he actually knew Michael Brecker and that at one point they did a lesson together and Carl showed him a lot of altissimo techniques. To hear Michael scream sounds SO much like Carl played and hearing him play always makes me sad to think of my late mentor. You look up Carl and hear him play and you'll see what I mean. The man was an absolute monster sax player and Michael will always make me think of him. That solo killed me, fucking perfect.

[@SharpElevenMusic]

@@AnAmericanComposer The name Carl Coan's rings a bell cause of the Michael Brecker transcription book I was so fond of when I was a teenager, so absorbed in Michael Breckers playing but yet not by far skilled enough to get most of it down. He was an inspiration to me as a transcriber, I reckon he must have been an amazing player. Sad tohear he's no longer with us, as is Brecker. I'll definitely research him. Thanks for the info and story! /Jorre

[@keithk.3963]

…and he did, yet again, what he always did. Put it where it needed to be. He had the gift of a full range of emotion that would hit you if you were in the last row of a balcony or at home in front of the speakers… bring a tear to the eye or make you feel like you could run through a Wall… every time. So grateful for recordings. This solo, like so many others, shows him effortlessly being able to do whatever he felt like doing on the horn. All the tools at hand a player could want and always went for it… no reservations… no thinking about what to do… he just let it loose… and we have been lucky enough to get to hear those moments. It’s a beautiful thing.

[@Steve-mp7by]

Michael was a beast so underrated. A lot of Coltrane influence but he developed his own sound and phrasing

[@julianmitchell3035]

He definitely had Coltrane's brighter sound, but I feel like he tended to accent his notes more and harder. It makes sense with what he was playing.

[@Steve-mp7by]

@@julianmitchell3035 So you're saying he's better than Trane? Go to rehab dude lol

[@julianmitchell3035]

@@Steve-mp7by I'm not saying one was better, I'm saying their tones are different. Coltrane had an altoist's tone because he played alto horn and alto sax before switching. Being a tenor just wasn't in him, and that's partially the reason why he started playing soprano. Brecker, like many other saxophonists, was deeply inspired by Coltrane and modeled their sound after him, although Brecker for his part made his sound a bit fatter and added more direction. Now I will say that Dexter Gordon's tone is the best. He sounds like an upper register bari and it's beautiful.

[@nickphipp1949]

Great playing. This is reminiscent of A Remark You made, Weather Report, both in the phrasing and some of the chord sequences.

[@bobpiorun1563]

Yes I was thinking the same thing exactly . Same feel , same mood, but Jaco omg

[@jazzyben]

You are so right…..

[@yelnats21]

My favorite Weather Report tune

[@playablecharacter3871]

I was so happy when you posted this man. I heard this song when I was 16 on my local Sunday jazz radio show and they didn't mention the name and I could never find it, even after becoming a semipro musician and talking to the guy who ran the show. So thank you for tieing a name to this and letting me know it's the saxophonist who's already been taking over my tromboning this year haha

[@sorenfuhrer401]

There is no way not to love this. And what makes it even more special is the 90s clothing and haircuts aka "wow, my accountant really knows how to play the sax!"

[@treehorn36]

I instantly knew this was the guy from Steps Ahead even though I know next to nothing about jazz. What a unique and iconic voice on the saxophone

[@stevens2647]

His tone shattered both my heart and my vase at home 😭 now i have to fix both

[@rl2905]

His solo on a tune called Maxine by Donald Fagen is absolutely superb....my favorite sax solo ever. Not a very long solo, but every note is just solid gold.

[@brendanotoole5871]

Oh shit, had no clue it was MB on that. That's one of my favorite Donald tunes,

[@TheChrisheath7]

That solo is spotless.Only 16 bars but he.makes every note count. Its on Fagen's album "The Nightfly" if you don't know it.

[@nazartkach277]

So sweet and vibrant solo

[@BigBungus-ir4vn]

This makes me cry every time. Rip Michael Brecker.

[@richardcasey7521]

Me too…:(

[@extremadrummer]

Thanks Sharp Eleven, this guy talked through his sax. He'll be in my mind as soon I hear the sound of a saxophone.

[@Kujalamuse]

Never heard this one before, but it provides a perfect bookend to the very first Michael solo I ever heard, which was 'Heather' off the Cobham album from '74 ('Crossings'?). Heard it in Rick Braun's dorm room when we were students at Eastman. I've been a Breckerhead ever since, and this solo is absolutely stunning in every way. 18 years after the Heather solo, with all that life experience and musical growth present in his playing. Gone too soon. Thanks for posting and transcribing.

[@olafaalop1188]

One of the greatest that ever blew a sax. RIP

[@SerginhoD]

Rest in peace, master of the masters! That bastard never fails to make me cry with this one.................................

[@bryandickerson5365]

My wife and I saw this band in NYC this same year at The Village Gate(?). Still stands as one of the most other-worldly musical experiences we’ve ever had! Sitting there one table away from Joe Lovano we heard every soloist create emotional masterpieces beyond compare. Sometimes the energy would build to a climax that could not be eclipsed..only to hear it reach higher, then higher again! Totally monumental!! Thanks much for the reminder.

[@HansBaier]

One of my all time favorite sax solos ever. Gives me goosebumps every time. So beautiful...

[@Tom06]

What are your other favourites?

[@HansBaier]

@@Tom06 Trains and Cajun solos from the Tokyo concert (the whole concert is extraordinary), the 'Pools' solos from Copenhagen. 'Original Rays' from Wiesen, Austria. Pretty much every of his solos on 'My one and only Love'. Also his playing on his Steps/Smoking in the Pit album. One of the rare occasions where the energy is really on the same level with the skill.

[@Tom06]

@@HansBaier couldn’t agree more - great suggestions :)

[@HansBaier]

@@Tom06 I forgot to mention the Album 'Cityscape' which is stellar

[@edgenovese]

Color is so rich and commitment endless, One of the best solos ever!

[@jonstein6868]

So deeply missed…❤

[@BenWeeks-ca]

I remember hearing an mp3 back in the day where it was Pat Metheny playing Clapton's "If I saw you in heaven" and it had a wonderful sax solo. It took me a minute to recognize this is the same soloist.

[@nairdazitro7460]

The greatest jazz solo of all time, the only that makes me cry, so deep, what a masterpiece.

[@joshuauhri6889]

Goosebump note was spot on

[@marklahargoue3426]

Michael Brecker is the greatest

[@cerimccoy]

That's such pretty music, its just so amazing the feeling mike brecker was able to communicate via the saxophone. One in a gazillion.

[@dnews9519]

Holy smokes that way killer.

[@Fgcbear15]

That was insanely emotional 😭

[@bobfournier]

Such a complete player in every regard. He left us way too early. Great post, thanks!

[@Alastair6]

This is one of the most beautiful solos I have ever heard, by anyone! I really miss Michael Brecker.

[@RebeccaLoran]

Rest in Power, Michael Brecker. You enriched our lives with your unique sound and superhuman dynamic control.

[@jsmdify]

absolutely gorgeous playing by MB and writing by Mike Stern. I was lucky enough to see Mike Stern in Scottsdale a few years back with Jeff Lorber. Two jazz titans!

[@jeezluis1779]

George Castanza killin it on the sax

[@paultaylor914]

I dream of playing half this good..

[@junkmann69]

That is soul touching. The purpose of music to gather all that have sometime celt this feeling. A universal masterpiece.

[@JOVO1971]

What a great player with so interesting ideas! I can't imagine mike as an early student..., I think he played damn good from early beginning:-)

[@biggieb.4843]

How have I never heard this before? Also, I got goosebumps the exact same time that the transcription says.

[@yeahdefinitely6607]

You really do need to watch the whole song to get a greater appreciation for the setup and emotional ride - absolutely beautiful artistry

[@theshapeexists]

This absolutely rips. Michael was the man on sax

[@TheBlueCream]

leaves me cold

[@tomsmyth4836]

One, if not the best of our generation. Was lucky enough to see Him with Paul simon ( still crazy) in the 90s in linden. Gifted talented beautiful soul! RIP Michael❤

[@paoloantoniomuzzi4533]

breath of the soul....to my dear Dad....

[@DanielVerberne]

Gone too soon, Mike Brecker.

[@doug_1489]

nothing sounds like a Berg Larsen 👌🏼 superb solo, Brecker is a genius

[@michaelh9656]

I dunno how I ended up in this part of yt but now I feel like I hit a higher plane of existence

[@nicklangmusic]

Dang, I did NOT want this solo to end.

[@UrsulaDehler1923]

…so much more than words can do. ❤

[@rightchordleadership]

Just like the best bodybuilders combine mass, conditioning, athleticism, muscle density, aesthetic balance and symmetry, Mike was the complete package. Unrivaled technique, bold tone, harmonic adventurousness, melodic creativity and tons of soul. The ultimate post-Coltrane saxophonist. No weakness in his game.

[@keithk.3963]

Nice analogy. 👍

[@AshwinSax]

Have been lisening to him all my life. Even met him in Singapore at the Botanical Gardens where he was perfoming with other great musicians. Took pictures with him. A real wonderful first grade Jazz saxophonist lots of Soul in his playing. Have ten of his long play records with his signature on them. BEST solo i ever heard. Rest in Peace my dearest friend and brother Michael .......................................🙏🫂🌹❤🎷

[@williamgregory1848]

The late great Michael Brecker knew how to make a grown man cry 😢

[@robsonjunqueiradarosa3063]

Michael Brecker is the best, forever!

[@robertdore9592]

just like a harmonic melodic waterfall. I really miss this guys playing..

[@RafikCezanneTV]

A master class in miniature. The altissimo and 32nd note runs sealed it... RIP

[@Tutankhamen210]

This is, indeed, a very nice solo. Thank you for highlighting it!

[@RussPaladino]

Thank you. Always loved that solo. It was nice to follow along with the transcription.

[@dazernia]

i actually had tears in my eyes bro

[@VincentHoudijk]

It always has the same effect on me as well. Since approximately 25 years I've been listening to his solos on this song and they're always soooo powerful! What a pity he couldn't share us 30 years longer with his presence

[@christianfreehill9954]

How did he know that it was actually going to give me goosebumps 😭

[@SharpElevenMusic]

By reporting how I feel every time - and I listened to this a lot. Guess music is pretty universal, as is the ability of Brecker to move people :)

[@davidgee4260]

He was fighting a bad reed or leak and at times that makes you play outside yourself and a real artist makes the problem sound amazing. Nobody can touch his talent and ability. Quit going back to the fifties and listen to his untouchable ability that nobody with their perfect replication of horn and mouthpiece with the all important look of a dull old Finnish that can not make you even close to this talent. He played shiny horns or dull ones with the same quality of playing. Who sounds like Brecker? NOBODY no matter how dull the and worn the lacquer is. A real pro that could play with anyone in any style and kill. That's the real shit.😅

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

Merci, et condoléances.

[@hitechburg]

The Michael Brecker solo on HEATHER ( CROSSWINDS ) will have you in tears.

[@markusweber893]

Absolutely gorgeous and powerful! Thank you for that spirit, that short moment when you see the light shine through!❤

[@jazzerrocker]

This solo made me rethink life, and how grand it is!

[@ciapentinaelgat]

Yo estaba en ese concierto. Fue sublime todo el show, como tantos otros. Michael Brecker es un grande y se le echa mucho de menos.

[@jonstein6868]

Music to lift the soul! I hear a lot of gospel in Breckers sound and miss his beautiful playing.

[@davidtatro7457]

Beautiful solo, thanks for sharing.

[@condealisson]

Amazing solo, amazing transcription job.

[@HaakonGraf]

Nice tune.. much more soothing that many of the " many notes and totally out " harmonically we often hear from Stern & Co. -

[@peterkoeppl1186]

Soo touching and beautiful

[@quemarioo]

Dennis Chambers on the drums!

[@marcoyanez5874]

Michael Brecker podía tocar lo que quisiera, en el sentido de que no estaba limitado por la técnica. Si a ello le agregas todos los años de bagaje musical, en diferentes épocas y contextos lo hacían un saxofonista completo, y sí, él era capaz de tocar con este grado de profundidad, de dramatismo, de sentimiento. Su inigualable carrera está llena de ejemplos de aquello

[@soapyart]

BEAUTIFUL. THANK YOU

[@victormanuelgarciagracida6677]

This is AMAZING... I never had heard Michael Brecker playing that kind of stuff

[@johnnash7481]

Fantastic!

[@peterkoeppl1186]

So beautiful.

[@mikejohn2307]

Tremendous. Thanks for posting.

[@amateurguitar6894]

Mike Stern on guitar. Great player.

[@TheRedJacket1]

Anyone else unable to stop watching this every day? It's a wonderful curse honestly.

[@dougiesherwin9591]

Michael's brother Randy is as phenomenal a soloist on trumpet as Michael was on sax.

[@maveri.k]

Awesome transcription, thanks!

[@horsewnomane]

man, that is some top shelf jacuzzi jazz...

[@mateuszkomorowski8521]

I think, is time for me that buy a tenor sax. This solo is honey for my ears. Best regards. Another great job #11❤

[@SharpElevenMusic]

Go for it Mateusz 🎷💪, and thanks!