What makes Don't Try This at Home by Michael Brecker notable?

This album received widespread critical acclaim, positioning Brecker firmly in the jazz spotlight. It was nominated for a Grammy Award, highlighting its significance within both the jazz community and the broader music industry during the late 1980s. Released in 1988, Don't Try This at Home marked Michael Brecker's first major album as a solo artist after establishing himself as a leading figure in jazz fusion. Prior to this, he had gained significant acclaim through his work with the Brecker Brothers and other collaborative projects, making this album a pivotal moment in his transition to solo artistry.

How many songs are on Don't Try This at Home?

Don't Try This at Home has 8 tracks, running approximately 55 minutes.

Don't Try This at Home

Michael Brecker · 1988

55 min · 8 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of intricate jazz melodies and dynamic improvisation that showcases Brecker's virtuosic saxophone skills.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Don’t Try This at Home — The title track epitomizes Brecker's unique blend of technical skill and emotional expression, with an adventurous structure that invites listeners to explore complex harmonies.
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Chime This — With its engaging rhythms and innovative use of sound textures, this track highlights Brecker's ability to merge traditional jazz with contemporary elements seamlessly.
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Everything Happens When You're Gone — This poignant piece showcases Brecker’s lyrical playing style and ability to convey deep emotion through his instrument, making it a standout on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

67 /100

Alpine

Higher than 91% of albums we've rated

Brecker's virtuosic saxophone and dynamic arrangements create a compelling jazz fusion experience.

What we noticed

Each track varies in tempo and mood, with some pieces like 'Itsbynne Reel' starting with a lively pace while others like 'Everything Happens When You're Gone' adopt a more contemplative tone.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Itsbynne Reel 7:43
2 Chime This 7:51
3 Scriabin 7:47
4 Suspone 4:58
5 Don’t Try This at Home 9:29
6 Everything Happens When You're Gone 7:13
7 Talking to Myself 5:10
8 The Gentleman & Hizcaine 5:20

What to play next

Listen next

Now You See It... (Now You Don't)

1990

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Michael Brecker

1987

Full Michael Brecker discography Artists like Michael Brecker

jazz fusion post-bop

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