michael brecker / albums

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- Pilgrimage
- - 8,461 plays
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Michael Brecker
Released 2007

Five Months from Midnight
07:41
897 plays

When Can I Kiss You Again?
09:45
750 plays

Loose Threads
08:36
745 plays

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songs

- 1
- The Mean Time
- 06:56
- 1,124 plays

- 2
- Five Months from Midnight
- 07:41
- 897 plays

- 3
- Anagram
- 10:11
- 1,790 plays

- 4
- Tumbleweed
- 09:39
- 1,008 plays

- 5
- When Can I Kiss You Again?
- 09:45
- 750 plays

- 6
- Cardinal Rule
- 07:33
- 679 plays

- 7
- Half Moon Lane
- 07:18
- 698 plays

- 8
- Loose Threads
- 08:36
- 745 plays

- 9
- Pilgrimage
- 10:02
- 634 plays

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album review

Given the heartbreaking context in which this album was released -- this was the final recording by saxophonist Michael Brecker, who died of myelodysplastic syndrome and leukemia only a few months before its release -- there might be a certain temptation to cut it some slack for sentimental reasons. However, leniency is hardly needed. Leading a group comprised of jaw-dropping talents (pianists Herbie Hancock and Brad Mehldau, guitarist Pat Metheny, bassist John Patitucci, drummer Jack DeJohnette) and playing for the first time a program consisting entirely of original compositions, Brecker delivers an emotionally rich and startlingly powerful album of straight-ahead modern jazz that will stand as his musical epitaph and will effectively confound anyone who has ever been tempted to dismiss him as a mere jazz-pop fusioneer. It will also frustrate anyone looking for maudlin emotion or even any obvious product of existential angst; the only concession to sentiment here is on the title of a ballad, "When Can I Kiss You Again?," a quote from Brecker's teenage son during a period in his treatment when his family was not allowed to touch him. But even that track, with its unusual chord progression and sometimes rather arid solos, retains a core of tough-mindedness within the tenderness. Most of the rest of the program consists of uptempo and medium-tempo burners that swing with a powerful sense of urgency and life, and precious little foreshadowing of the tragedy that all involved knew was soon to come. This is a brilliant and inspiring album -- and would be whether or not it had anything to do with the death of one of the great figures in American jazz. This CD was nominated in 2007 for a Grammy award as Best Jazz Instrumental Album (Individual or Group), and Brecker's improvisation on "Anagram" was nominated for Best Jazz Instrumental Solo. ~ Rick Anderson, All Music Guide