Honoring a Jazz Legend: Randy Brecker Pays Tribute to His Brother Michael

Randy Brecker, one of the most acclaimed trumpeters in jazz history, is embarking on a series of concerts in Northern California to spotlight the music of his late brother, the legendary saxophonist Michael Brecker. This poignant tribute promises to showcase the depth and complexity of Michael's compositions, which have long been revered by musicians and fans alike.

Unlocking the Genius of Michael Brecker's Music

Navigating the Challenges of Interpreting a Titan's Tunes

Despite his own virtuosic abilities, Randy Brecker admits that tackling his brother's music is a daunting task. Michael's compositions were so intrinsically linked to the saxophone that translating them to the trumpet presents a unique challenge. However, with the help of saxophonist Tod Dickow and the acclaimed Bay Area trio-turned-quartet Charged Particles, Randy is determined to do justice to his brother's legacy.

As Randy explains, "It was always a problem, even with the Brecker Brothers band. Michael was great at writing saxophonistic tunes, which were so aligned with his instrument they don't translate easily to the trumpet. It helps that the band is very good, and Tod is a wonderful saxophonist. It's been a lot of fun to get to know Mike's tunes, though there are a few I just can't play, that they handle by themselves."

The challenge of interpreting Michael Brecker's music is not unique to Randy. Trumpeters and other instrumentalists have long grappled with the complexity and technical demands of his compositions, which is one of the reasons why he has been overlooked as a composer, despite his towering status as a saxophonist.

Discovering the Brecker Brothers' Groundbreaking Sound

For drummer and bandleader Jon Krosnick, the Brecker Brothers' music was a revelation. Growing up in the heyday of fusion, Krosnick was struck by the Breckers' ability to create a powerful, groove-oriented sound without relying on a barrage of notes. The precision and organization of the brothers' playing, combined with the contributions of saxophonist David Sanborn and the rest of the ensemble, left a lasting impression on the young musician.

"The stuff they were doing was so groove oriented and precise, with every note articulated. The way the two brothers played together was so organized, and then you add David Sanborn and the ensemble was so powerful," Krosnick recalls.

This experience would later inspire Krosnick to delve deeper into Michael Brecker's music, eventually leading to the formation of Charged Particles and their tribute project, which has now culminated in a recording and a series of live performances.

Michael Brecker's Evolution as a Composer

While Michael Brecker is widely regarded as one of the most influential tenor saxophonists of his generation, his growth as a composer is often overlooked. According to his brother Randy, Michael's compositional skills evolved over time, as he gained confidence and honed his craft.

"He changed slowly but surely as he started feeling more confident as a writer," Randy said. "We talked about the craft of it, how you have to sit and put in time every day. He gradually gained confidence and left us all in the dust."

This evolution is particularly evident in Michael's later work, such as his extraordinary final recording, "Pilgrimage," which features a stellar lineup of collaborators, including Pat Metheny, Jack DeJohnette, John Patitucci, and Herbie Hancock.

Bringing Michael Brecker's Music to Life

The task of bringing Michael Brecker's compositions to life has fallen to Charged Particles, the Bay Area trio-turned-quartet led by drummer Jon Krosnick. The group has spent years honing their sound and delving into Brecker's discography, with a particular focus on the "Pilgrimage" album.

With the addition of saxophonist Tod Dickow, a devotee of Brecker's distinctive tone and virtuosic playing, Charged Particles has been able to capture the essence of Michael's music. The group has workshopped the tunes at various venues, including the iconic Baked Potato in Southern California, before recording the material for a forthcoming release.

The project has received a significant boost from Randy Brecker himself, who has enthusiastically endorsed the group's efforts. After Krosnick reached out to the trumpeter about a Facebook issue, the two connected, and Randy expressed his support for the Charged Particles' tribute, even contributing a blurb for the album's release.

The timing of the album's release, coinciding with the publication of veteran jazz journalist Bill Milkowski's biography "Ode to a Tenor Titan: The Life and Times and Music of Michael Brecker," has further amplified the spotlight on Michael's enduring legacy as a composer and musician.