What makes Michael Brecker by Michael Brecker notable?

Michael Brecker was both critically acclaimed and commercially successful, reaching significant chart positions in the jazz genre. The album established him as a prominent solo artist and influenced many saxophonists who followed, contributing to the evolution of contemporary jazz. This self-titled debut album came at a pivotal moment in Michael Brecker's career, marking his transition from a sought-after session musician to a leading figure in jazz. Released in 1987, it followed his work with the influential group Steps Ahead and set the stage for his prolific solo career.

How many songs are on Michael Brecker?

Michael Brecker has 7 tracks, running approximately 54 minutes.

Michael Brecker

Michael Brecker · 1987

54 min · 7 tracks · jazz

An intricate blend of post-bop and jazz fusion, showcasing virtuosic saxophone melodies intertwined with rich harmonic textures.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Sea Glass — The opening track introduces Brecker's signature sound with fluid improvisation and complex harmonic structures, setting the tone for the album.
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Choices — This track features a captivating dialogue between Brecker's saxophone and the ensemble, highlighting his ability to blend intricate melodies with rhythmic sophistication.
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Nothing Personal — Brecker's emotive playing shines through as he navigates this piece's intricate changes, making it a standout example of his expressive range.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

65 /100

Treeline

Higher than 88% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate compositions and strong improvisational skills, marking Brecker's distinct voice in jazz.

What we noticed

The album opens with a complex interplay of saxophone and keyboard, establishing a rich harmonic foundation that recurs throughout.
Each track features extended improvisation sections, allowing the musicians to explore themes in depth rather than adhering strictly to written melodies.
The final track transitions from a slow ballad into a more energetic section, creating a dynamic contrast that concludes the album on an uplifting note.

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

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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 Sea Glass 5:50
2 Syzygy 9:45
3 Choices 8:07
4 Nothing Personal 5:31
5 The Cost of Living 7:49
6 Original Rays 9:05
7 My One and Only Love 8:16

What to play next

Listen next

Don't Try This at Home

1988

Full Michael Brecker discography Artists like Michael Brecker

jazz fusion post-bop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata