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Michael Brecker | Essential albums and listening guide
Explore Michael Brecker through Michael Brecker. Discover what to listen for and follow related styles to your next record.
Michael Brecker
Meet the artist
A tenor saxophonist heard with the Brecker Brothers, in numerous recording sessions and in his own groups. Technical fluency and a strongly defined sound connect his work across genres. A strongly defined tenor tone connects a wide range with fluid lines.
Precise phrasing and rhythmic strength work in acoustic jazz as well as electric settings involving funk and pop. Sustained notes and restrained ballads reveal as much personality as rapid runs. In his leader recordings, detailed ensemble interaction turns technique into musical flow, bringing experience across genres into modern jazz exploration.
Where to start listening
Compare the fast saxophone lines and rhythmic responses on these leader recordings, and give equal attention to the tone in quieter passages.
1987Michael Brecker
Michael Brecker
Michael Brecker's first album under his own name follows extensive session work. Tenor saxophone and EWI reveal different aspects of his fluent, strongly rhythmic language.
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1996Tales from the Hudson
Michael Brecker
Michael Brecker brings his tenor sound into an ensemble with musicians including Pat Metheny and McCoy Tyner. Extended lines and close rhythmic responses give the recording its momentum.
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Years follow the Atlas catalogue. Recording dates, original release dates and digital reissue dates may differ.