Author: Michael Brecker

PartNumber: 6 3 05497052

Release Date: 19-06-2001

Details: Amazon.ca The normally tempestuous tenor saxophonist has completely dedicated The Nearness Of You to the art of sensitive balladry. Presented in two "chapter" groupings, each with five tunes and a brief epilogue, the repertoire is divided between classics and band originals. Pat Metheny acts as producer, the guitarist being just one member of Brecker's impressively all-star crew, with Herbie Hancock, Charlie Haden and Jack DeJohnette all serving as "mere" sidemen. James Taylor contributes guest vocals on two tunes, the significance of his appearance probably depending on the listener's generational placing and appetite for his prissily nasal warble. These numbers aside, the remaining bulk is uniformly incandescent, savoured with treacle slowness. Brecker explores a kind of reined-in version of his accustomed intensity, crying near the high end of his horn's range. There's a feeling that Brecker and band are working very hard to resist the fiery moment, with extra energies lurking in the wings. Each tune lingers in delicate suspension, steering clear of the usual ballad clichés. --Martin Longley

UPC: 731454970525

EAN: 0731454970525

Model: 07994258

Languages: English

Binding: audioCD

Item Condition: UsedVeryGood