http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGDa2Bf9Pj0
This is related to my post in What's Playing Now
http://audioheritage.org/vbulletin/s...postcount=1133
In that post I lamented my ignorance of a great artist who lived, played and passed away unnoticed by me, despite my chronology overlapping his completely. I'm going on record as saying Michael Brecker was the most important musician since John Coltrane. He was apparently also one of the nicest men on earth. Unlike talented yet egomanical musicians like Miles, he was modest, even self-effacing. And I now realize his musical accomplishments were great indeed, not like "he plays great" but rather "greatness." In a time in history like this where the major figures in the news, entertainment, sports and politics are anything but role models and haven't actually done anything special, he stands a true hero. I honestly wish I could have died so he could have lived. Many musicians and listeners speak of this man in worshipful tones I have not encountered before in the world of music.
This video contains portions of interviews that deal with jazz played at very advanced levels versus audiences, music's and spirituality's coincident worlds, musical growth and learning in a musician's life, and other fine things. There is a reference in it to where further interview video is available.
There are 28 videos on YouTube of Michael Brecker, and a lot more out there. I encourage anyone interested in these matters to explore what this man has to offer us in these difficult times we are facing. Most of all from his music. You might like the music behind this tribute video. It is gentler than most of what he played.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zdc7S_Ecevw
I have discovered some great concert DVD's. Amazon has some. I'll get some recommendations together if anyone is interested. He even played great jazz fusion in his Steps Ahead band.
Clark in Peoria