i wonder what pushed michael to push himself like this... i love his style, his expression, his personal tone, the 'space' he occupies musically with this piece... humble giant, i agree with the person/people who think he's having a nice dialogue (trading fours?) with coltrane, another humble giant
i wonder what pushed michael to push himself like this... i love his style, his expression, his personal tone, the 'space' he occupies musically with this piece... humble giant, i agree with the person/people who think he's having a nice dialogue (trading fours?) with coltrane, another humble giant
Don't compare this to Coltrane's playing. This tune is Coltrane's gift to the world and musicians mold it and express it in their own way. This is a standard in the Real Book and Michael here is interpreting it in his own way. If you can't get over the arpeggios, no shit you can't because you can't play chords on the sax. In my opinion Pharaoh Sanders plays it close to Coltrane if you have to compare. I love Michael but c'mon -- greatest sax player there is no such thing.
@DrewYTS i didn't even know that was possible..it seems he covers the bell with his knee while holding low Bb...is it done like this? 1am here, in the morning i'll try it myself...too bad for the neighbors...
@zzajbird yeah if you cover part of the bell with your leg or put the back of your foot in the bell if youre sitting down you can actually lover the Bb about half a step. may have to adjust depending on size of shoe :D
Why are their people fighting over who is the better sax player? Coltrane and Brecker each have great things to offer technically, musically, harmonically, and intellectually. It is pointless to argue over who is better, and it does both musicians a disservice. Just appreciate each of them for what they have to offer and take everything that you can from their playing,
@guidobondioli "boring".... lol wtf!! Firstly, I do believe Coltrane would have slapped you for calling Naima a "nice tune." It has beauty, for sure, but it's harsh as hell at the same time. Coltrane sure as heck put it across like that when he played it and so does Brecker in my opinion. Now, "boring?" An interpretation like this is hardly boring. Did you remember to listen? If you listen to good jazz with your "Hank Williams ears on," it's going to sound boring.
@mpass212 You would think that such a pretentious man would pretend that he liked Brecker/Coltrane jazz because it would appear to make him look deep and thoughtful. He misses the point enough, musically speaking, to think like that. Keep enjoying your Hank Williams coyote boy! "Hey good lookin' what you gat cookin..." YAWN. Thanks for pointing that out mpass... I had a good laugh too.
@StandardSam1 My pleasure. In the end he doesn't know what he's missing out on, as far his calling Brecker boring...i find it hard to think he's even LISTENED to him properly, because i can't understand how anyone who's really spent time listening to him couldn't find something interesting, beautiful, or just technically astounding in his music. And how this guy could call naima "nice' i have no idea....makes me feel sick to hear anyone call it that.
So sad that he was ill at this time and just didn't know it yet. This solo, as with all of his solos, is played as if it is the last time he will ever get to play the horn. Truly amazing. We witnessed and continue to witness the greatest ever.
I'm one of those people who played an instrument for at least 5 or 6 years and then one day discovered Brecker.Since that day I put the guitar (my case) behind me to learn the sax.Thankyou Michael for showing me the instrument I always wanted to play.
Incredible. Heard him play this live in Boston Symphony Hall 2001 (on a gig w.Herbie Hancock). Mindblowing. My friend was high on mushrooms and it freaked him out!
This is as close to Coltrane as it gets! The knee in the bell to hit the low A was pure genius. Does anyone know where you can view this entire live performance or at least purchase it on CD?
@tysen813 'Directions In Music' Herbie Hancock Michael Brecker Roy Hargrove : Live At Massey Hall. It's a tribute to Miles and Coltrane and it's brilliant.
na i think i prefer Brecker to Coltrane. Its true Brecker developed on the style that Coltrane created but i think that i much prefer brecker's sound and developed style. Its the same with Charlie Parker and Cannonball Adderley.
JC or MB, either one was truly great. I just like where Brecker took JC's influence and launched it into what I think was the greatest sax talent I ever experienced. I would sell my soul to perform like him. I miss you Michael.
I kinda agree with TwoTone89 about this particular solo (Aint he great! (ho hum)) - but I did like the one novelty at around 3:05, the knee-in-the-bell for the low A -- now that was a cool move!
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He certainly is TECHNICALLY impressive but there is little I've heard of his playing that sounds very musical to me. It all sounds like really busy jibberish to me. Sorry but I'd take Coltrane any day.
I have no doubt that MICHAEL BRECKER was the greatest saxophonist of history. He is a GOD, and Coltrane was a prophet like John the baptist was to Jesus.
Funny you'd say that as he's playing a Coltrane piece here if I'm not mistaken. Have a listen to Coltrane doing Spiritual on the Live at the Village Vanguard before putting him behind Brecker.
Excuse me, but it won't let me to not comment. Michael Brecker developed what John Coltrane taught the world, but in no way he outplayed JC. I would say that John Coltrane was the Creator and Michael Brecker learned from him and deveoped his styled based on the creations of John Coltrane, who was one of the most inventional and creative musicians, along side Louis Armstrong, Art Tatum, Thelonious Monk and Charlie Parker,etc. MB mastered his instrument, but John Coltrane was THE one. MB learned.
Depends what you are referring to when you say outplay. From a technical standpoint I don't think anyone is in the same category as MB, he is technically and tonally beyond compare.
From a musicality standpoint I believe he is very good, but certainly not the best.
he gets that low a out so quick and with great intonation! he's sick! he truly is the most efficient sax player ive ever heard by getting everything out of his horn and playing! this is a great example of that!
Like Trane or even Brecker would still be playing the same way now or in the future. These guys were constantly changing; unlike you "geniuses" ! Dig this for what it's worth; not for what YOU'RE worth. Who gives a good god-damn about YOU/me !
aammirr's got it right. Mike's coming to his end, and he's doing his thing. Get up and play! I think he's a bit studied for me, but like A said, my opinion don't mean shit.
Try posting a video response of you playing something comparable. Ohh you can't? Then I'd try not making absolutely bullshit comments about one of the best if not THE best tenor saxophonists ever. Dickhead
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Not sure I fully agree with you,but this solo does get tedious. His longer improvs seem to lack rhythm changes,or something that makes them seem boring to me. Not dissing the man,he is some player,but I dont really dig his improv.
I thought, was Mike able to boil potatoes. - He was so great musician, so perfect that there must have been some talency in some area of life he did not own. No one can´t be perfect in everything! I admire Michael so much.
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but a ballad aint nuttin if it aint got soul and im not saying crackd notes is soul im sayin tht technique isnt everything thts y jazz has dropped off lately cause everyine nows worried about how many notes they can play in a measure its not music anymore its notes and no goes to a concert to hear notes they go to hear music
A ballad is the investigation of your love for someone. His exploration of the harmonic complexities of this song are like exploring a lover's body and soul. There are no places that remains hidden in a great love and Brecker caresses this tune like a lover. Coltrane would be proud to have someone treat one of his compositions like this. You should show some respect for your elders and those who came before by capitalizing their names and their songs. Soul is in the ear of the behearer.
By the way have you actually listened to Miles Davis? Try listening to the Seven Steps to Heaven cuts and his other bebop stuff and tell me that he has more soul than technique. Also check out Coltrane's peformance of Naima on this site and tell me he's not using great technique, only soulful notes...
Micheal played the best version of this song everr this would have made coltrane cry it would have made him well up with pride that Michael was playing it so beautifully
naima is a love song and a ballad and he turned it into look at me i can play a million notes really fast and have no soul. technique does not equal soul look at miles cracked notes everywhere but theres not one person on the earth that can do wat miles did
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No No, Not jealous,
As a saxophone player, I can tell you how dificult it is to play that well technically. What got lost was the beauty of the melody that Coltrane wrote and played. It's always up for interpretation when it comes to a jazz soloist. Chops? Absolutely, probably the best ever in that regard,but soul? I don't think so. Call me unenlightened.
I absolutely adore Michael Brecker, and he is showing off his ridiculous ability here, but I think that Naima should be played the way Trane played it originally on Giant Steps: just the simple, pure, perfect melody.
I would argue that possibly no musician in history has ever mastered his instrument to a degree beyond what Michael was able to do with the saxophone. He is the modern day Paganini, Liszt, Kreisler, Herbert L. Clarke, Hendrix or Buddy Rich.
I love Brecker, but you can't deny the fact that Coltrane paved the way for him to do this. All the pentatonics, multiphonics, quarter tones, false fingerings, sheets of sound runs, and his approach to playing lines all come directly from Coltrane. Of course brecker is a complete master, but Coltrane Originated this approach to playing saxophone !! Also, brecker is playing a Coltrane composition !
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Thanks for your tiring, laborious, academic comment. God forbid I should give someone else other than "St. John" some credit. My comment was about Brecker only. It doesn't matter where he learned his stuff. At all.
You're comment was not about Brecker only, you mention "no musician in history" and choose 6 musicians names associated with greatness from different genres to make some lofty statement with no real backing. Don't get so defensive and try adding some positive energy to the discussion, especially when Brecker is playing so beautifully.
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You are a pseudointellectual ass. You probably teach in college, no? Have you ever heard of the word "opinion"? I have to back up opinion with peer-reviewed data? Nice way to greet a compliment to a great musician. Stop arguing.
wow, that's a huge statement, comparing him to Paganini and Hendrix...they were champions of their craft. Not to say that this guy is not, but still, just the statement makes me wanna look him up
For all the folks hat compare Brecker to Garrett(as dumb as that is,) when is the last time you almost broke your neck grooving listening to a Brecker solo? And when the last time Garrett made your jaw hit the floor because he completely defied the laws of musical/physichal physichs? Two different players, Both Legends
Lol actually there is a video of brecker here on youtube, Funky Sea Funky Dew Part 1 where he grooves hard in the start of his solo. And there is a 7 minute solo cadenza garrett does to the changed of Cherokee that make you redefine what proffesionalism is here on youtube....hehe
Trickcuzz, I agree with you. To further that, as musicians, we should listen to anyone who has developed a reputation, because like a player or not, they're style was influenced by someone of the past. To be like a Brecker, we should constantly be learning and listenin to others. I'm 29, and listening to more Sonny, Trane, etc. now than ever before, though I still listen to modern styles, to hear how the straight ahead licks can be incorporated into that genre.
Not to make fun of Brecker, but I rewound the clip when I read ur comment. that is funny, yet it actually produced a lower pitch too! Never heard of such a trick
Well, it's important to recognize that music is subjective. Brecker is my favorite tenor player, but many would say I'm insane. Neither me nor those who prefer Trane or another player is correct or incorrect. It's subjective and there is not right answer. If you don't like Brecker, don't sweat it.
I like to think I understand the complexities of music......but, can someone tell me what Brecker is playing around the 6:00 to 6:30ish timing in this piece. I recognize the changes, but I can't identify exactly what he's doing. Thanks!!
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I don't know..after hearing it again,yes the command of the instrument,yes fine tone and projection,fine sense of harmony etc etc..but it sounds very stiff to me musically,and his dissection of the song's form often seems gratuitous and glib.I'm sorry if this offends Brecker devotees..bring on the insults and the quartering.
I understand what you mean and I respect your opinion.. But I (as well as other brecker fans and music lovers) can assure you that this is one of the best performances within the art of music you`ll ever hear...
Well,I understand many like Brecker,and again,I would never want to disparage his instrumental mastery,because it WAS and will remain.And because I play trumpet,I'm not qualified to speak on the tenor;bottom line is that it's a matter of whether you enjoy what someone is playing or not.And I've been told I was deficient and worse for not hearing how great he was.So I don't say much anymore...peace.
Sanborn doesn't come close to alto players like Kenny Garret, Branford Marsalis, Joe Lovano, Ravi Coltrane, Chris Potter, Joshua Redman and several others who play alto, either primarily or secondary
title absolute without doubt
ashrafilm 1 week ago
I'm speechless at 5:56. Who would ever dislike such playing?
SigmaNuisance 2 months ago
Great clip.
whereismybailouttv 2 months ago
In the way of speeking like tina turner: He's simply the best!
MrJazzChilli 3 months ago
Still boring. I have never liked anything Brecker did. I've played the tune enough to value my own opinion.
guidobondioli 5 months ago
So Brecker!!! Fabulous interpretation!!!
StandardSam1 5 months ago
title absolute
ashrafilm 6 months ago
I hear tones of Gershwin in this beautiful solo... :) very nice
61550LizziE 7 months ago
4:40
marshallrauh 7 months ago
wow no need to continue, reached a peak there, i'd let it rest at that.
ashrafilm 8 months ago
He was good but not as good as the master him self John Coltrane
chriss1152 9 months ago
This is so heavy.
theinvisiblelight 9 months ago
i wonder what pushed michael to push himself like this... i love his style, his expression, his personal tone, the 'space' he occupies musically with this piece... humble giant, i agree with the person/people who think he's having a nice dialogue (trading fours?) with coltrane, another humble giant
tackyacky 10 months ago
i wonder what pushed michael to push himself like this... i love his style, his expression, his personal tone, the 'space' he occupies musically with this piece... humble giant, i agree with the person/people who think he's having a nice dialogue (trading fours?) with coltrane, another humble giant
tackyacky 10 months ago
Oh comon all you John Coltrane patriotic!!!!! John Coltrtane is sitting with Michael Brecker in sax section at the holly bigband.
By the way, this is a beautiful tribute to John Coltrane.
ivanjezek 11 months ago
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Oh comon all you John Coltrane patriotic!!!!! John Coltrtane is sitting with Michael Brecker in sax section at the holly bigband.
By the way, this is a beautiful tribute to John Coltrane.
ivanjezek 11 months ago
Oh comon all you John Coltrane patriotic!!!!! John Coltrtane is sitting with Michael Brecker in sax section at the holly bigband.
By the way, this is a beautiful tribute to John Coltrane.
ivanjezek 11 months ago 2
and this guy played sax for chaka khan back in the 80's it's on here
mjjcng8958 11 months ago
wow this my favorite coltrane song and i get the same feeling i get when i listen to the original. after this i'm going to get my coltrane fix
mjjcng8958 11 months ago
he's not bad no Coltrane but good
chriss1152 1 year ago
his playing don't go inside me like trane or joe henderson, he was good but he seemed like a chop jock
aaronamccoy 1 year ago
Don't compare this to Coltrane's playing. This tune is Coltrane's gift to the world and musicians mold it and express it in their own way. This is a standard in the Real Book and Michael here is interpreting it in his own way. If you can't get over the arpeggios, no shit you can't because you can't play chords on the sax. In my opinion Pharaoh Sanders plays it close to Coltrane if you have to compare. I love Michael but c'mon -- greatest sax player there is no such thing.
ishta 1 year ago
SHEET MUSIC FOR HIS SOLO PLEASE!
Coltranized 1 year ago
HOLY FUCK!
Coltranized 1 year ago
3:08 LOW A (G concert) lol! Ive never seen someone do that in a solo before! Haha thats amazing!
DrewYTS 1 year ago
@DrewYTS i didn't even know that was possible..it seems he covers the bell with his knee while holding low Bb...is it done like this? 1am here, in the morning i'll try it myself...too bad for the neighbors...
zzajbird 1 year ago
@zzajbird yep it's possible. It gives you a perfect low A when you do it just right!
mobiusII 11 months ago
@zzajbird yeah if you cover part of the bell with your leg or put the back of your foot in the bell if youre sitting down you can actually lover the Bb about half a step. may have to adjust depending on size of shoe :D
oh and sorry it took me so long to respond lol
DrewYTS 4 months ago
Too beautiful for words to do justice to...
musicianfromcaliforn 1 year ago
Music does not get any better than this!! MB, RIP!!
sttrumpet 1 year ago
É Deus no céu, eo Michael no sax;
saudades !
meninuprodigio 1 year ago
seems like the Al Di Meola of guitar. Lot of technical runs and arpeggios..a shredder.
bluetony888 1 year ago
@bluetony888 isn't al di meola the al di meola of guitar?
kwakky 1 year ago
Why are their people fighting over who is the better sax player? Coltrane and Brecker each have great things to offer technically, musically, harmonically, and intellectually. It is pointless to argue over who is better, and it does both musicians a disservice. Just appreciate each of them for what they have to offer and take everything that you can from their playing,
SavicPanylyk 1 year ago 5
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boring. Naima is such a nice tune. I like almost anyone's version better than this.
guidobondioli 1 year ago
@guidobondioli "boring".... lol wtf!! Firstly, I do believe Coltrane would have slapped you for calling Naima a "nice tune." It has beauty, for sure, but it's harsh as hell at the same time. Coltrane sure as heck put it across like that when he played it and so does Brecker in my opinion. Now, "boring?" An interpretation like this is hardly boring. Did you remember to listen? If you listen to good jazz with your "Hank Williams ears on," it's going to sound boring.
StandardSam1 5 months ago
@StandardSam1 dude don't worry, just check out this dude's channel! let's just sayed i laughed VERY hard. he clearly does NOT have his head sorted.
mpass212 4 months ago
@mpass212 You would think that such a pretentious man would pretend that he liked Brecker/Coltrane jazz because it would appear to make him look deep and thoughtful. He misses the point enough, musically speaking, to think like that. Keep enjoying your Hank Williams coyote boy! "Hey good lookin' what you gat cookin..." YAWN. Thanks for pointing that out mpass... I had a good laugh too.
StandardSam1 4 months ago
@StandardSam1 My pleasure. In the end he doesn't know what he's missing out on, as far his calling Brecker boring...i find it hard to think he's even LISTENED to him properly, because i can't understand how anyone who's really spent time listening to him couldn't find something interesting, beautiful, or just technically astounding in his music. And how this guy could call naima "nice' i have no idea....makes me feel sick to hear anyone call it that.
mpass212 4 months ago
boring.
guidobondioli 1 year ago
I would kill to see michael brecker and john coltrane play live in a concert
llmmkkjj123 1 year ago
So sad that he was ill at this time and just didn't know it yet. This solo, as with all of his solos, is played as if it is the last time he will ever get to play the horn. Truly amazing. We witnessed and continue to witness the greatest ever.
dextergordon72 1 year ago
wat an ass hole
1jayloew 1 year ago
I'm one of those people who played an instrument for at least 5 or 6 years and then one day discovered Brecker.Since that day I put the guitar (my case) behind me to learn the sax.Thankyou Michael for showing me the instrument I always wanted to play.
RoGuExXxAsSaSiN 1 year ago
michael's tone is the greatest ever...
aFightingChristian 1 year ago
Breathtaking!!!
AbuCleo 1 year ago
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He's a ripper of une the most beautyful song of all times, scary, awful, bleah
6mistakes 1 year ago
The late great sax player of our time. Who will take his place? Don't hold your breath.
lareeseknife 1 year ago
@lareeseknife sonny rollins?
AngelEyesC4 3 months ago
Incredible. Heard him play this live in Boston Symphony Hall 2001 (on a gig w.Herbie Hancock). Mindblowing. My friend was high on mushrooms and it freaked him out!
kimosabelarry 1 year ago
When a musician can take me away to some other place, I don't give a damn what the musician's name is as long as the trip is fun.
monktrane325 1 year ago 3
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eyal776 1 year ago
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I totally agree with ebillyboi:
coltrane ...brecker two great sax players......two different souls and expression.......
no need to compare just........enjoy
RIP Michael Brecker
ivus1 1 year ago
This is as close to Coltrane as it gets! The knee in the bell to hit the low A was pure genius. Does anyone know where you can view this entire live performance or at least purchase it on CD?
tysen813 1 year ago
@tysen813 'Directions In Music' Herbie Hancock Michael Brecker Roy Hargrove : Live At Massey Hall. It's a tribute to Miles and Coltrane and it's brilliant.
kimosabelarry 1 year ago
This is amazing.
>> ho hum? please link me to another sax player that? can do this
I sure hope that's a joke. Really.
greencouch18 1 year ago
lol i posted nearly the same exact re: about two months ago! great minds think alike
songsmadeforyou 1 year ago
SOBRAN LAS PALABRAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
carlossaxx 1 year ago
if i could just hear coltrane and brecker trade licks on a song once i would be happy for the rest of my life
pjsanchez896 2 years ago 3
na i think i prefer Brecker to Coltrane. Its true Brecker developed on the style that Coltrane created but i think that i much prefer brecker's sound and developed style. Its the same with Charlie Parker and Cannonball Adderley.
ICEMAN6282 2 years ago 2
6:00, amazing.
ansyf125 2 years ago 2
you right man. Charlier Rouse, Sonny Stitt, Cannonball, Sonny Rollins, James Moody...something about Michael's sound
poodiekat1877 2 years ago
Talk about sheets of sound huh?
crs251 2 years ago
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My one and only hero.
ansyf125 2 years ago
Miss you, Mike.
SingCal 2 years ago
coltrane ...brecker two great sax players......two different souls and expression.......
no need to compare just........enjoy
ebillyboi 2 years ago 51
well said
songsmadeforyou 2 years ago
@ebillyboi right on. I couldn't agree more.
gsco82 1 year ago
@ebillyboi
JC or MB, either one was truly great. I just like where Brecker took JC's influence and launched it into what I think was the greatest sax talent I ever experienced. I would sell my soul to perform like him. I miss you Michael.
jm10rnlto 2 weeks ago
Grazie Mike! World miss you.
sandrofon 2 years ago
I kinda agree with TwoTone89 about this particular solo (Aint he great! (ho hum)) - but I did like the one novelty at around 3:05, the knee-in-the-bell for the low A -- now that was a cool move!
Saxologist 2 years ago
ho hum? please link me to another sax player that can do this
songsmadeforyou 2 years ago
He indeed WAS a prophet....
MAnuciao79 2 years ago
jesus christ!!!
ojfree32 2 years ago
Jesus de Christe!
ansyf125 2 years ago
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He certainly is TECHNICALLY impressive but there is little I've heard of his playing that sounds very musical to me. It all sounds like really busy jibberish to me. Sorry but I'd take Coltrane any day.
CharlieMoher 2 years ago
jesus. this is my new god. i didnt know you could sweep apregios on saxophones lol
alexi8569 2 years ago 2
Master musician. Primal and honest. RIP Mike.
benthesaxman 2 years ago
I have no doubt that MICHAEL BRECKER was the greatest saxophonist of history. He is a GOD, and Coltrane was a prophet like John the baptist was to Jesus.
Dihelson 2 years ago
Lol nice analogy
spongey222 2 years ago
Funny you'd say that as he's playing a Coltrane piece here if I'm not mistaken. Have a listen to Coltrane doing Spiritual on the Live at the Village Vanguard before putting him behind Brecker.
CharlieMoher 2 years ago
Excuse me, but it won't let me to not comment. Michael Brecker developed what John Coltrane taught the world, but in no way he outplayed JC. I would say that John Coltrane was the Creator and Michael Brecker learned from him and deveoped his styled based on the creations of John Coltrane, who was one of the most inventional and creative musicians, along side Louis Armstrong, Art Tatum, Thelonious Monk and Charlie Parker,etc. MB mastered his instrument, but John Coltrane was THE one. MB learned.
matoflash 2 years ago 7
Depends what you are referring to when you say outplay. From a technical standpoint I don't think anyone is in the same category as MB, he is technically and tonally beyond compare.
From a musicality standpoint I believe he is very good, but certainly not the best.
drilldmc 2 years ago
3:08 It didn't know pros did this too! Awesome
JetsfanfromFL 2 years ago
lmfao, we all do it every now and then..
ansyf125 2 years ago
he gets that low a out so quick and with great intonation! he's sick! he truly is the most efficient sax player ive ever heard by getting everything out of his horn and playing! this is a great example of that!
gibraltarrr 2 years ago
kind of sounds like if Rollins played the song but with more runs, the original shouldve been kept the same at least. Fantastic playing though
johannus777 2 years ago
"The original shouldve been kept the same at least".
Yeah right he never should have subjected this tune to the evils of improvisation.
haroliyk 2 years ago
what
a
killer
mike brecker...
MonsieurSteven 2 years ago
MobiusII, Thank you so very much for this post!
sergiozibart 2 years ago
6:00 = <3
saxgirl90 2 years ago
Oh no those arpeggios are all michael, he did that with a few other solo songs
usetheforce207 2 years ago
Does the original recording include that crazy legato solo
around 6:00
HjalmarGuitarMaster 2 years ago
I miss you Master Michael Brecker....There's no one like you.!
Truelight0 2 years ago 7
this is the first time i have heard this man AND HE IS THE GREATEST SAX PLAYER I HAVE EVER HEARD MUCH RESPECT TO MR. BRECKER!!!!!
beloved1988 2 years ago 5
All you "experts" make me laugh... HA!
Like Trane or even Brecker would still be playing the same way now or in the future. These guys were constantly changing; unlike you "geniuses" ! Dig this for what it's worth; not for what YOU'RE worth. Who gives a good god-damn about YOU/me !
aammirr 2 years ago 41
aammirr's got it right. Mike's coming to his end, and he's doing his thing. Get up and play! I think he's a bit studied for me, but like A said, my opinion don't mean shit.
bry3921 2 years ago
Mikes already met his end my friend hes dead and mike was born to play the sax hes the greatest there ever was/will be
BigsexyButters 2 years ago 3
@aammirr thank you! finally someone who has some studying to back up what they say instead of just conjecture.
ivanbro1011 1 year ago
Master of the saxophone + master of jazz = genius (see Michael Brecker)
Saxman11290 2 years ago 3
So..So well done! Coltrane would have been so proud of Mike. Rest well buddy.
jazzydave0467 2 years ago
OMG! He used the leg technique to get that extra note! AWEsome!!
cameronorr 2 years ago 6
playing a ballad well is one of the hardest things to learn
Regisphilben 2 years ago 2
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Flabby and redundant "I've got a bright shiny sports car"........Solo.
SidewalkFrequencies 2 years ago
Try posting a video response of you playing something comparable. Ohh you can't? Then I'd try not making absolutely bullshit comments about one of the best if not THE best tenor saxophonists ever. Dickhead
Shesh0911 2 years ago 3
"SidewalkFrequencies",
Stupidity has a certain charm - ignorance does not.
- Frank Zappa
CaptainBuster 2 years ago 2
1 of the best
Allansean05 2 years ago
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Not sure I fully agree with you,but this solo does get tedious. His longer improvs seem to lack rhythm changes,or something that makes them seem boring to me. Not dissing the man,he is some player,but I dont really dig his improv.
TwoTone89 2 years ago
When he spirals around in a diminished scale it is fractal-like, like the spurs off of the Mandelbrot set...
dtambur2 2 years ago 2
I thought, was Mike able to boil potatoes. - He was so great musician, so perfect that there must have been some talency in some area of life he did not own. No one can´t be perfect in everything! I admire Michael so much.
Highlymoderate 2 years ago 2
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but a ballad aint nuttin if it aint got soul and im not saying crackd notes is soul im sayin tht technique isnt everything thts y jazz has dropped off lately cause everyine nows worried about how many notes they can play in a measure its not music anymore its notes and no goes to a concert to hear notes they go to hear music
jutrewd 2 years ago
A ballad is the investigation of your love for someone. His exploration of the harmonic complexities of this song are like exploring a lover's body and soul. There are no places that remains hidden in a great love and Brecker caresses this tune like a lover. Coltrane would be proud to have someone treat one of his compositions like this. You should show some respect for your elders and those who came before by capitalizing their names and their songs. Soul is in the ear of the behearer.
jazzkenpo 2 years ago 4
By the way have you actually listened to Miles Davis? Try listening to the Seven Steps to Heaven cuts and his other bebop stuff and tell me that he has more soul than technique. Also check out Coltrane's peformance of Naima on this site and tell me he's not using great technique, only soulful notes...
jazzkenpo 2 years ago
Micheal played the best version of this song everr this would have made coltrane cry it would have made him well up with pride that Michael was playing it so beautifully
BigsexyButters 2 years ago 3
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naima is a love song and a ballad and he turned it into look at me i can play a million notes really fast and have no soul. technique does not equal soul look at miles cracked notes everywhere but theres not one person on the earth that can do wat miles did
jutrewd 2 years ago
If you want Brecker to crack a couple notes, listen to Pilgrimage. That album's got plenty of soul.
donmeatball 2 years ago
nor is there anyone who can do what brecker did
Regisphilben 2 years ago 3
Just unbelievable, he passed too soon!
Saxotomitry 2 years ago 2
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salbautista13 2 years ago
Michael (the machine) Brecker
freejazzulcer 2 years ago
What i love about the saxophone is the uniquness of the sound and how each person can make it their own.
StrangelyGreat 3 years ago 2
half of you dont know what you are talking about. This is jazz, if it was the same as Johns it would have been the same. But this is inovative
jaraad 3 years ago
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No No, Not jealous,
As a saxophone player, I can tell you how dificult it is to play that well technically. What got lost was the beauty of the melody that Coltrane wrote and played. It's always up for interpretation when it comes to a jazz soloist. Chops? Absolutely, probably the best ever in that regard,but soul? I don't think so. Call me unenlightened.
Buasop 3 years ago
You're un-enlightened
nockle 2 years ago
I love it and the way he interprets the melody the man had musle on that horn..and he worked it
clever07 3 years ago
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No offense, but He puts me in the mind of Kenny G all form and no substance, but true vertruoso.
robertclemon 3 years ago
intresting interpertation , and aint that what Jazz is suspose too be? just asking
robertclemon 3 years ago
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saxophone arobics, nothing more.
Buasop 3 years ago
jealous?
padleynj 3 years ago
I absolutely adore Michael Brecker, and he is showing off his ridiculous ability here, but I think that Naima should be played the way Trane played it originally on Giant Steps: just the simple, pure, perfect melody.
Dwslassls 3 years ago
I really agree... Those onramantations kinda take the film-noir feel to the thing.
He's awesome though.
Boogiepop100 3 years ago
u r right. Mike Brecker is good. But I prefer Trane's make of Naima, melodic, and soft.
ansonpsng 3 years ago
"But I prefer Trane's make of Naima, melodic, and soft."
As I said. :)
Can't beat Trane. Just can't. Even Brecker.
Dwslassls 3 years ago
dont you think michael spent about 1000 hours in his locked bedroom doing the original version???I do
raindep 2 years ago
i think he's just making this up... but yes 1000s of hours locked in a shed practicing stuff in preparation for this and every other solo he plays
songsmadeforyou 1 year ago
The Sequence King
nnigle 3 years ago
rdangelo, do your homework. Transcribe some Trane, then come back and tell me that ahsax isn't right. Oh, and stop being a douchebag.
Sk8likmullen411 3 years ago 2
What a fucking tone!
tremblate 3 years ago 5
amazing......rich tone
hate these sax players that sound like brittney spears
musiccc568 3 years ago 3
Sem dúvida nenhuma essa é a melhor versão de Naima que eu já ouvi!!! Que me desculpe John Coltrane...
rydigao4 3 years ago 2
Ditto rdangelo
ewedude 3 years ago
I would argue that possibly no musician in history has ever mastered his instrument to a degree beyond what Michael was able to do with the saxophone. He is the modern day Paganini, Liszt, Kreisler, Herbert L. Clarke, Hendrix or Buddy Rich.
rdangelo 3 years ago 4
I love Brecker, but you can't deny the fact that Coltrane paved the way for him to do this. All the pentatonics, multiphonics, quarter tones, false fingerings, sheets of sound runs, and his approach to playing lines all come directly from Coltrane. Of course brecker is a complete master, but Coltrane Originated this approach to playing saxophone !! Also, brecker is playing a Coltrane composition !
ahsax 3 years ago 9
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Thanks for your tiring, laborious, academic comment. God forbid I should give someone else other than "St. John" some credit. My comment was about Brecker only. It doesn't matter where he learned his stuff. At all.
rdangelo 3 years ago
You're comment was not about Brecker only, you mention "no musician in history" and choose 6 musicians names associated with greatness from different genres to make some lofty statement with no real backing. Don't get so defensive and try adding some positive energy to the discussion, especially when Brecker is playing so beautifully.
ahsax 3 years ago 7
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You are a pseudointellectual ass. You probably teach in college, no? Have you ever heard of the word "opinion"? I have to back up opinion with peer-reviewed data? Nice way to greet a compliment to a great musician. Stop arguing.
rdangelo 3 years ago
wow, that's a huge statement, comparing him to Paganini and Hendrix...they were champions of their craft. Not to say that this guy is not, but still, just the statement makes me wanna look him up
kjackson2k1 3 years ago
Michael,you are so missed!
jm10rnlto 3 years ago
i wish there was a live vid of "anagram" by brecker
SamMoff 3 years ago
which sax does he plays here?
a borgani?It semmes not a mark VI...
psicosax 3 years ago
For all the folks hat compare Brecker to Garrett(as dumb as that is,) when is the last time you almost broke your neck grooving listening to a Brecker solo? And when the last time Garrett made your jaw hit the floor because he completely defied the laws of musical/physichal physichs? Two different players, Both Legends
trickycuzz 3 years ago 3
Lol actually there is a video of brecker here on youtube, Funky Sea Funky Dew Part 1 where he grooves hard in the start of his solo. And there is a 7 minute solo cadenza garrett does to the changed of Cherokee that make you redefine what proffesionalism is here on youtube....hehe
OjAiSaXpLaYeR 3 years ago
Trickcuzz, I agree with you. To further that, as musicians, we should listen to anyone who has developed a reputation, because like a player or not, they're style was influenced by someone of the past. To be like a Brecker, we should constantly be learning and listenin to others. I'm 29, and listening to more Sonny, Trane, etc. now than ever before, though I still listen to modern styles, to hear how the straight ahead licks can be incorporated into that genre.
mitchasics 3 years ago
Yup and then come up with your take on it. Some call it evolution...
YaniT991 3 years ago
"he completely defied the laws of musical/physichal physichs"? What the fuck does that mean?
rdangelo 3 years ago
at 3:10...gotta love the knee-in-the-bell-low-A trick =D
iplaybaritone 3 years ago 2
Not to make fun of Brecker, but I rewound the clip when I read ur comment. that is funny, yet it actually produced a lower pitch too! Never heard of such a trick
mitchasics 3 years ago
the low A is sort of a sax parlor trick, and pretty hilarious I think lol
Piechickenman 3 years ago
RIP Michael - you are one of the Jazz Greats !!
Orangelazaruspete 3 years ago
BEAST^^^
Troydiedwardo 3 years ago
Well, it's important to recognize that music is subjective. Brecker is my favorite tenor player, but many would say I'm insane. Neither me nor those who prefer Trane or another player is correct or incorrect. It's subjective and there is not right answer. If you don't like Brecker, don't sweat it.
rockrhapsody123 3 years ago 4
I think Brecker should be regarded with such greats as Coltrane, Bird and The Prez. If you don't know who these people are, please don't comment!
JazzyBlues804 3 years ago
I like to think I understand the complexities of music......but, can someone tell me what Brecker is playing around the 6:00 to 6:30ish timing in this piece. I recognize the changes, but I can't identify exactly what he's doing. Thanks!!
mitchasics 3 years ago
What can you say? That's a musician with seriously scary abilities -and- musicality. They don't always go together, but when they do...
greencouch18 3 years ago
Hot Damn! There may be other player out there who can hold their own, but there is only ONE Michael Brecker!
scruebush 3 years ago
Beautiful. I hve never heard anyhting played so fast that actually sounded beautiful
ferrariguy47 3 years ago
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griffinsemple 3 years ago
I was there!
princeinlove 3 years ago
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I don't know..after hearing it again,yes the command of the instrument,yes fine tone and projection,fine sense of harmony etc etc..but it sounds very stiff to me musically,and his dissection of the song's form often seems gratuitous and glib.I'm sorry if this offends Brecker devotees..bring on the insults and the quartering.
olivierbarjot 3 years ago
I understand what you mean and I respect your opinion.. But I (as well as other brecker fans and music lovers) can assure you that this is one of the best performances within the art of music you`ll ever hear...
kingclarinet 3 years ago
Well,I understand many like Brecker,and again,I would never want to disparage his instrumental mastery,because it WAS and will remain.And because I play trumpet,I'm not qualified to speak on the tenor;bottom line is that it's a matter of whether you enjoy what someone is playing or not.And I've been told I was deficient and worse for not hearing how great he was.So I don't say much anymore...peace.
olivierbarjot 3 years ago
It's Brecker all right...
leechiec 3 years ago
that was incredible
saxclar123 3 years ago
actually Sanborn is a bad ass in his own right.He has his own sound.
I thought Naima was a ballad,not a technical showcase...
olivierbarjot 3 years ago
...it's Brecker.
borfisimmortal 3 years ago
the 2 biggest names on:
alto - sanborn
tenor - brecker
neilangierof 3 years ago
Sanborn doesn't come close to alto players like Kenny Garret, Branford Marsalis, Joe Lovano, Ravi Coltrane, Chris Potter, Joshua Redman and several others who play alto, either primarily or secondary
pbfmayweather88 3 years ago
pbfmayweather88>> sanborn is a