Moments notice michael brecker biography
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The Honest Broker
Tomorrow marks the 15th anniversary of Michael Brecker’s death at age 57. That gives me a good excuse to reassess his legacy. The release of Bill Milkowski’s new book on the saxophonist was another useful prod, providing me with additional information and insights.
I hope the essay below raises Brecker’s reputation a notch among critics—although it’s safe to say that saxophonists have long known what a formidable presence he was on the horn.
I note with regret that Brecker never got named a NEA Jazz Master, and only made it into the Downbeat Hall of Fame after his death, when readers (not critics) voted him in. Even today, you won’t find Brecker in the Jazz at Lincoln Center jazz hall of fame. None of his recordings are included among the hundreds honored by the Library of Congress in their National Recording Registry. And his name is conspicuously absent on many other honor rolls and ceremonial lists.
I’ve been guilty myself of undervaluing his contri
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I remember the first time inom heard Michael Brecker (1949 - 2007). It was on the 1973 Horace Silver recording, In Search of the Twenty Seventh Man, on Horace’s composition Gregory is Here. I was a big Horace Silver fan. One of the first recordings inom purchased when I became a jazz listener was Song For My Father. I knew Randy Brecker from Blood Sweat and Tears, but Mike was new to me. As soon he started playing, I had one of those “who the hell is that” moments.
Listen to a rare live version of Gregory is Here featuring Horace on piano; Randy Brecker, trumpet; Bob Cranshaw, bass; and Mickey Roker on drums at the Pori 8, Internationales Finnisches Jazz Festival, April 14, 1973, fem months after the original recording, when Mike was twenty four.
In his early 20s Mike already his own sound and concept. He had a profound command over the tenor saxophone that was quickly evident. Clearly a Coltrane disciple with some King Curtis and Stanley Turrentine thrown in as well, his inno
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Bass Improvisation – Michael Brecker ‘Moment’s Notice’ Solo Adapted for Electric Bass
The bass guitar is the backbone of any band, providing rhythm, depth, and groove. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player looking to refine your skills, mastering essential bass guitar techniques is crucial for versatility and performance. In this guide, we’ll break down ten must-know techniques that will elevate your playing and help you stand out as a bassist.
1. Fingerstyle Playing
One of the most fundamental bass guitar techniques, fingerstyle involves plucking the strings with your index and mittpunkt fingers. This technique allows for smoother transitions between notes and is widely used in rock, jazz, and funk.
2. Slap and Pop
Popularized by bass legender like Flea and Larry Graham, slap and pop create a percussive, rhythmic sound. Slapping involves striking the string with your thumb, while popping requires snapping the string with your index or middle fing