Europe Jazz Network
MUSICIANS
BRECKER BROS.
MICHAEL BRECKER
One of the most commanding and instantly recognizable sounds in modern
jazz is the inimitable tenor voice of Michael Brecker. Michael has
appeared on over 700 jazz and pop recordings for artists as diverse as
Chick Corea, Dire Straits, Herbie Hancock, Charles Mingus, Billy Joel,
Quincy Jones, Frank Zappa - and Sinatra, Eric Clapton, James Brown, Bruce
Springsteen and Paul Simon.
In 1987, Michael released his first solo album, Michael Brecker, which
was named "Jazz Album of the Year" by both "Downbeat" and "Jazziz"
magazines, nominated for two Grammys and held the number one spot on
"Billboard's" Jazz chart for 21 weeks (an unprecedented feat). His 1988
follow-up, Don't Try This At Home, earned Brecker a Grammy for Best Jazz
Instrumental Performance. His third album as a leader, Now You See It...
(Now You Don't" was released in 1990.
Michael has most recently played to millions of new fans as featured
soloist on the year-long Paul Simon tour.
RANDY BRECKER
Randy has appeared on even more jazz and pop recordings than his brother,
including Aerosmith, James Taylor, Phil Woods, Lou Reed, J. Geils, Gato
Barbieri, Manhattan Transfer, Bette Midler, George Benson, Diana Ross,
Bruce Springsteen and Elton John.
Randy released his first solo album, Score, which also features Michael,
in 1968, not long after arriving in New York and having become one of the
most in-demand studio musicians of the day. A founding member of Blood,
Sweat & Tears, Randy left the group to pursue more traditional jazz music
in the late '60s/early '70s, performing first with Art Blakey's Messengers
and soon thereafter with brother Michael.
Of the seven Grammy nominations that the Brecker Brothers accumulated over
the course of six albums together, their debut release, which Randy produced,
was nominated for four. After a fruitful period together, the brothers
parted ways and Randy joined up with the late, great Jaco Pastorius.
Randy also recorded three more albums as a leader.
Biographic info courtesy of Saudades Tourneen
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