Thanks for this piece, Bret! I loved the brothers' albums way back when, and Michael kept finding his way into my music collection. It was a terrible shock when he passed so young.
I'm enjoying your newsletter a lot, Bret. I followed you on Facebook, before finally abandoning it a few years ago, and subsequently lost track of you during the troubled pandemic years.
I'm glad you've found some happiness with your relocation to Mexico, as I did to Canada, five decades ago. As I seem to recall, we are both refugees from Joisey. Your writing shows the breadth of your humanity, and your reminiscences are, well, delicious!
Appreciate the kind words, Terry. So glad you're enjoying the newsletter.
We are very happy in Mexico, feel lucky to be here. The people and the culture are very welcoming.
I lived in Edgewater, NJ from '84 - '92. a tiny town just down the road from the George Washington Bridge. The proximity to Manhattan was very convenient.
I had the same, "Who the hell is that?!!!" reaction when I first heard Michael on Horace's recording of, "Gregory is Here." But soon after, I never had to ask that question again because Michael's sound, vocabulary, and approach was truly singular, but obviously inspired by past masters. I realized that he was THE innovator of his era. What a marvel to observe. He was once a guest soloist with the Carnegie Hall Jazz Band when I was the bassist. I stood directly behind him when he played an unaccompanied version of Coltrane's "Naima." It lasted about 10 minutes, was totally captivating, an unbelievable display of technique combined with deft logic and superb construction. What a story he had to tell! I have never heard saxophone mastery on that level before or since. BTW, I am greatly enjoying your Substack, Bret. The only problem is that it shows me that I had better improve my own, pronto! Keep up the good work and keep swingin'!
Todd - Appreciate the kind words. I really loved the Carnegie Hall Jazz Band, one the great under appreciated groups. I thought it was much hipper than the LIncoln Center Jazz Orch.
As for The Cool Zone, only one thing to do, keep writing!
I just about lived in Seventh Avenue South. I am so grateful that I lived through that time in music. I was there to listen to Michael Brecker every tine he played. He was a giant of a musician and an incredibly nice guy. His work, in particular with Don Grolnick have served as major inspiration in my own playing and composing. I love your articles and look forward to them. Thank you.
Mike was a very nice guy, and an incredible musician. So glad you mentioned Don Grolnick. Not enough people know the important role he played in Mike's music. And thanks so much for your kind words. Please take care...
I read all your articles regardless of whether I comment or not. What an amazing privilege to be apart of that era of jazz. The time for torch-passing is propitious. Something special will emerge in my lifetime that is hitherto unknown. Also, you should find a proofreader for your articles. It’s nothing serious, just a couple typos here and there. I’m willing to volunteer.
Thank you. I have a proofreader but I do last minute revisions that's the reason for the typos. I'll be more careful! Appreciate your kind words. Please take care...
Thanks for this piece, Bret! I loved the brothers' albums way back when, and Michael kept finding his way into my music collection. It was a terrible shock when he passed so young.
I'm enjoying your newsletter a lot, Bret. I followed you on Facebook, before finally abandoning it a few years ago, and subsequently lost track of you during the troubled pandemic years.
I'm glad you've found some happiness with your relocation to Mexico, as I did to Canada, five decades ago. As I seem to recall, we are both refugees from Joisey. Your writing shows the breadth of your humanity, and your reminiscences are, well, delicious!
Appreciate the kind words, Terry. So glad you're enjoying the newsletter.
We are very happy in Mexico, feel lucky to be here. The people and the culture are very welcoming.
I lived in Edgewater, NJ from '84 - '92. a tiny town just down the road from the George Washington Bridge. The proximity to Manhattan was very convenient.
Some cool posts coming up.
Please take care....
I had the same, "Who the hell is that?!!!" reaction when I first heard Michael on Horace's recording of, "Gregory is Here." But soon after, I never had to ask that question again because Michael's sound, vocabulary, and approach was truly singular, but obviously inspired by past masters. I realized that he was THE innovator of his era. What a marvel to observe. He was once a guest soloist with the Carnegie Hall Jazz Band when I was the bassist. I stood directly behind him when he played an unaccompanied version of Coltrane's "Naima." It lasted about 10 minutes, was totally captivating, an unbelievable display of technique combined with deft logic and superb construction. What a story he had to tell! I have never heard saxophone mastery on that level before or since. BTW, I am greatly enjoying your Substack, Bret. The only problem is that it shows me that I had better improve my own, pronto! Keep up the good work and keep swingin'!
Todd - Appreciate the kind words. I really loved the Carnegie Hall Jazz Band, one the great under appreciated groups. I thought it was much hipper than the LIncoln Center Jazz Orch.
As for The Cool Zone, only one thing to do, keep writing!
I just about lived in Seventh Avenue South. I am so grateful that I lived through that time in music. I was there to listen to Michael Brecker every tine he played. He was a giant of a musician and an incredibly nice guy. His work, in particular with Don Grolnick have served as major inspiration in my own playing and composing. I love your articles and look forward to them. Thank you.
Mike was a very nice guy, and an incredible musician. So glad you mentioned Don Grolnick. Not enough people know the important role he played in Mike's music. And thanks so much for your kind words. Please take care...
I read all your articles regardless of whether I comment or not. What an amazing privilege to be apart of that era of jazz. The time for torch-passing is propitious. Something special will emerge in my lifetime that is hitherto unknown. Also, you should find a proofreader for your articles. It’s nothing serious, just a couple typos here and there. I’m willing to volunteer.
Thank you. I have a proofreader but I do last minute revisions that's the reason for the typos. I'll be more careful! Appreciate your kind words. Please take care...