Album: Pilgrimage / Artist: Michael Brecker / 9 tracks: 1:17:41 / Telarc International
Tragically, tenor jazz saxophonist Michael Brecker, lost his battle with leukemia on January 13th, 2007, but before he passed away he recorded Pilgrimage, an album that displays in fine fashion his many gifts as a composer, arranger and musician. Recently, the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences posthumously bestowed on Brecker, two Grammy Awards for Pilgrimage, the first in the category of Best Jazz Instrumental Album, and the second saw the song "Anagram," acknowledged as the Best Jazz Instrumental Solo. In addition to Brecker, Pat Metheny appears on guitars, joined by, bassist John Patitucci, and drummer Jack DeJohnette. Herbie Hancock and Brad Mehldau share responsibilities for the piano.
The CD opens with Brecker’s warm, fat notes leading us through, “The Mean Time,” as he is accompanied by Hancock. Pat Metheny’s elegant and lyrical chording, during this piece have to be considered as one of the highlights. This original composition from Brecker, is full of life, and bright colors. It is as if he is celebrating life, and perhaps the many rich memories that the thirteen-time Grammy Award winner had enjoyed.
It is particularly poignant that an album recorded barely five months before Brecker’s passing, should have one of his signature contemporary tunes, titled, “Five Months From Midnight.” The arrangement begins with Brecker’s saxophone meandering lazily, as it walks hand in hand with Mehldau’s piano. Led by Patitucci’s emotive acoustic bass, Mehldau’s playing becomes livelier as the song progresses. With the song winding down, Brecker shows he still has game, as he lets loose with some invigorating licks from his horn.
If you have not yet heard Pilgrimage, I suppose you could draw the conclusion that we are simply are simply being kind to a musical saint Nothing however, could be further from the truth, as we are simply presenting our honest assessment of a collection of cleverly arranged compositions, brought to us by a masterful musician, who was joined in the studio by other incredible artists.
The third track, “Anagram,” serves up warm sweet notes from Brecker, a fabulous, sprightly solo by Matheney, Mehldau’s aggressive piano playing, and a wonderful lively performance from double bass player Patitucci. DeJohnette’s superb drumming is almost lost in the mix when listening to this CD, because for the most part he accompanies, rather than trying to overpower the other musicians with hard beats. His less is more approach to drumming, make him a perfect fit for this album.
Brecker’s horn protests loudly as “Tumbleweed,” reaches a crescendo, and the other instrumentalists turn up the heat. I would love to have had the opportunity to ask Michael Brecker about the interesting choice of titles for this song, because the thought of tumbleweed for me conjures up the image of an old western scene, where not much is happening. Nothing could be further from the truth with this “Tumbleweed,” as the musicians are either intensely jamming, or at least have created that illusion for the listener.
The 9:45 of the romantic “When Can I Kiss You,” ought to give you enough time, and create the right ambience for you to ask her the question. The song appears to have three distinct emotional stages, the first the crush, is played more playfully, the second stage in which Brecker’s loud, agitated, sax seems to depict a frustrated suitor, and the third which either symbolizes a warm embrace or resignation.
Other tunes on this CD that make it a good investment, include, the funkier “Cardinal Rule,” and the smoother “Loose Threads.”
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Reviewed January 2008
Updated February 8, 2008
