Pilgrimage

by Michael Brecker

Overview

Given the heartbreaking context in which this album was released -- this was the final recording by saxophonist Michael Brecker, who died of myelodysplastic syndrome and leukemia only a few months before its release -- there might be a certain temptation to cut it some slack for sentimental reasons. However, leniency is hardly needed. Leading a group comprised of jaw-dropping talents (pianists Herbie Hancock and Brad Mehldau, guitarist Pat Metheny, bassist John Patitucci, drummer Jack DeJohnette) and playing for the first time a program consisting entirely of original compositions, Brecker delivers an emotionally rich and startlingly powerful album of straight-ahead modern jazz that will stand as his musical epitaph and will effectively confound anyone who has ever been tempted to dismiss him as a mere jazz-pop fusioneer. It will also frustrate anyone looking for maudlin emotion or even any obvious product of existential angst; the only concession to sentiment here is on the title of a ballad, "When Can I Kiss You Again?," a quote from Brecker's teenage son during a period in his treatment when his family was not allowed to touch him. But even that track, with its unusual chord progression and sometimes rather arid solos, retains a core of tough-mindedness within the tenderness. Most of the rest of the program consists of uptempo and medium-tempo burners that swing with a powerful sense of urgency and life, and precious little foreshadowing of the tragedy that all involved knew was soon to come. This is a brilliant and inspiring album -- and would be whether or not it had anything to do with the death of one of the great figures in American jazz. This CD was nominated in 2007 for a Grammy award as Best Jazz Instrumental Album (Individual or Group), and Brecker's improvisation on "Anagram" was nominated for Best Jazz Instrumental Solo. ~ Rick Anderson

Product Details

Release Date:	12/02/2022
Label:	Universal
UPC:	4988031525395
Rank:	43994

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Michael Brecker   Primary Artist,Sax (Tenor),EWI
John Patitucci   Guest Artist,Bass
Jack DeJohnette   Guest Artist,Drums
Pat Metheny   Guest Artist,Guitar
Brad Mehldau   Guest Artist,Piano
Herbie Hancock   Guest Artist,Piano

Technical Credits

Gil Goldstein   Audio Production,Producer,Arranger
Steve Rodby   Audio Production,Producer
Pat Metheny   Audio Production,Producer
Michael Brecker   Audio Production,Composer,Producer,Arranger
Michael Bishop   Mastering
Hyomin Kang   Assistant Engineer
Darryl Pitt   Photography,Executive Producer
Indhira Rojas   Graphic Design,Cover Art,Art Direction
Bryan Pugh   Assistant Engineer
Ismael Cunha   Tuning
Susan Brecker   Art Direction
Chris Hinderaker   Production Coordination
Philip Calabresi   Tuning
Wolfgang Mueller   Associate Producer
Dave Love   Associate Producer
Carolyn Chrzan   Guitar Technician
Gary Gold   Tracking
Kevin Porter   Assistant Engineer
Mark Wilder   Mastering
David Oakes   Technical Assistance
Joe Ferla   Mixing,Engineer