One of the most innovative, post-coltrane tenor saxophonists, Michael Brecker, died on Saturday, January 13, 2007. His sound possessed a Coltrane-like intensity, yet was distictly his own creative style. Many a tenor sax student has studied his soloes in an effort to understand or emulate his sound. He was a real giant and he died way too soon.

http://www.playbillarts.com/news/article/5863.html

Michael Brecker’s health problems began with a rare bone marrow disease that ultimately led to Leukemia. His terrible illness and ultmate tragedy underscores the need to support stem cell research.

Just wanted to add this YouTube post to highlight some of the powerful playing Michael Brecker could deliver, seen here with two other sax greats, Joe Lovano and Dave Liebman. Billy Hart, resident artist at Western Michigan University’s School of Music, is on drums…

And here some terrific interview clips:

• Michael Brecker on Practicing
• Michael Brecker on Developing Your Own Sound

When you hear what he says about what he does to practice, you can really appreciate how much work it takes to be that good. It’s a continuous process and something that takes real determination and dedication. There’s no fast lane to being great; it’s a steady process of working it out. Roscoe Mitchell echos the same message every time we get together to play…