The music community lost one of the all time greatest saxophonists today. Michael Brecker has passed away.
His technique on the saxophone was widely emulated, and his style was much-studied in music schools throughout the world. Jazziz magazine recently called him “inarguably the most influential tenor stylist of the last 25 years,” according to a press release from his family.
I can remember seeing Michael on the Steps Ahead footage of the Steve Smith video’s in the mid-eighties, and following his career afterward. He seemed to have his own language on the instrument that no one else had. His own creative freedom that was both enjoyed and seemingly envied by countless musicians, myself included. His “Tales From the Hudson” recording I found to be particularly inspirational, as well as his work on Chick Corea’s “Three Quartets”. More information on this legend here. Houseofdrumming mourns the loss of this musical pioneer and jazz legend. R.I.P Michael. You will be missed.