Australian Shiraz Goes Well With Michael Brecker

[JimOfOakCreek]

Michael Brecker’s Pilgrimage may be his best work ever. I admit to never being a big Brecker fan prior to this album but Pilgrimage is something special. You’d never know from his playing that he had a terminal illness as his performance is first rate. I needed to listen to this album two or three times before I really got it. The music is the kind of cutting jazz that requires your complete attention. This is not John Klemmer playing Glass Dolphins after all.

The cast of musicians is rather impressive, Herbie Hancock and Brad Mehldau, piano; Pat Metheny, guitar; John Patitucci, bass; and Jack DeJohnette, drums. Pat Metheny’s excellent technique surprised me since I always categorize his guitar style as he played in American Garage. The group has no problems with ego conflicts as the jazz quite powerful. I highly recommend this posthumous release of Brecker’s final performance to hard core Jazz lovers. I had a couple glasses of Shiraz in Michael’s name. Bon Voyage!