Michael Brecker - Tales from the Hudson

Because he has recorded so much mediocre commercial jazz, Michael Brecker's more ambitious ventures are often not taken as seriously as they should be. For Tales from the Hudson, Brecker assembles an all-star band of Miles Davis's 1970 rhythm section (drummer Jack DeJohnette and bassist Dave Holland), underrated pianist Joey Calderazzo, and guitarist Pat Metheny--and on two numbers, Calderazzo is replaced by McCoy Tyner. For this special occasion, Brecker has written five impressionistic modal pieces and has also included one composition apiece from Metheny, Calderazzo, and the late pianist Don Grolnick. The satisfying results should do much to bring Brecker his due as a fine composer and bandleader and a player with a hearty tenor tone and good instincts about where to find fresh territory in an improvisation. --Geoffrey Himes Amazon.com

My guy

Michael is my guy.
The way he plays is just "Michael".
This album is typical for him.
so, if you like Michael, buy it. September 25, 2008

Hudson Star

This may be Brecker's best album - making it the best of the best. It reminds of the midfifties and sixties, a very high point in jazz. when I first became a fan. At that time, at that age, one simply assumes successors to the greatest will come along; but of course with art that good and difficult, in a form not highly popular and requiring nurture, its not that easy, it doesn't just happen. On this album, such jazz comes back. Beau Rivage (track 4), with its Monk-like segments, most resembles that great jazz. To me, Brecker's playing on that track, on African Skies(# 5) and Naked Soul (#7) is at the highest possible levels of sax performance, very reminiscent of Coltrane's best work, with all the inventiveness, spirit and immeasurable skill required for such playing, and also with discipline and coherence lacking in Coltrane's final stage work. January 14, 2008

Music That Changed My Life!

WOW, what a recording. Michael Brecker (may he rest in peace!), as everyone who heard him knew, had his own style and tone, and could be recognized pretty quickly. he stood out from the beginning, along with his brother, Randy. "We're Only Human", although commercial, is a very funny funky and great song. rare, for a jazzter. This recording, as i'm sure has been pointed out is choc-full of brilliant musicians like Dave Holland and DeJohnette and Tyner. wonderful ensemble playing classy and intelligent music. This is a reminder of the great talent we will all miss, but who left us many gems, this one not excluded. Moody yet moving, flowing, just like the Hudson River on whose banks he walks on the cover of the cd, this music is diverse in its offering, from ethereal to funky, just like his life's recording - also as a guest on many, many other recordings that vary extraordinarily. October 30, 2007

Best of Our Time

I have played the saxophone for many years and have listened to a lot of recordings. Michael Brecker was the premier saxophone player of our time. I'd strongly recomend anything he plays on. That combined with the incredible all-star assortment of players on this album makes it a must have for anyone who listens to music. February 17, 2007

I was "all in" with track one!

Slings and Arrows kicks things off on the right track! I was expecting Brecker to lead the soloing as the leader often will. Surprise! It's Metheny. He gets things cooking really good. In fact, he flat out burns. Brecker follows and things really take off, and there's no looking back. Wow!

Midnight Voyage is one great trip. Brecker really nails this one, and the rhythm section's in the groove.

I always liked Song for Bilbao, it's great to hear with the sax playing the head.

Around when this came out, I felt a few of Brecker's recent efforts were just ok. With Tales, he puts together a CD I would rank with the very best of his jazz performances.

It's a well done production, and I like the flow from beginning to end. But, what I really enjoy is the way they really get down to business on this one. Brecker's playing on the up-tempo numbers (throughout, really) is superlative. October 4, 2005

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