A Glimpse Into the Mind of Michael Brecker

recommended by Eric Stratton, Jazz Specialist

The Practice Notebooks of Michael Brecker
The legendary saxophonist Michael Brecker kept extensive notes on things to practice over the whole span of his career. This book contains over 700 entries, beautifully re-engraved from his hand-written notebooks.

This valuable resource for all treble clef instruments (since Michael often advised “Play in all keys”) includes:
• 35 years of Michael Brecker’s musical inspirations at your fingertips!
• First-hand accounts of how Michael actually worked on these ideas from his bandmates Joey Calderazzo, John Patitucci, Richie Beirach, Steve Khan, Dave Liebman, etc.
• An appendix of his saxophone-specific ideas on fingerings, multiphonics, etc.

For intermediate as well as advanced musicians – you don’t have to be a genius to learn from a genius!

Spherical by Michael Brecker, for Grade 5 Jazz Ensemble
What an absolute treat! Play Michael Brecker’s quintessential fusion tune “Spherical,” expertly arranged especially for Randy Brecker’s big band. Every nuance of the original track is captured with precise detail and clear notation. This chart pays fond tribute to an American master with passion and a smart, hard edge. All sax parts include optional flute doubles.

The Michael Brecker Collection
A fabulous collection featuring 14 authentic, note-for-note transcriptions from this revered sax master. Also includes a biography and discography, a sax notation guide, suggested alternative and altissimo fingerings, and more. Titles include: “African Skies” (2 Solos), “Cabin Fever,” “Delta City Blues,” “El Niño,” “Impressions,” “Slings and Arrows,” “Syzygy,” and more.

Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

About the Author:
Eric Stratton is the Jazz Specialist at Stanton’s Sheet Music. From Westerville, OH, Eric received a Bachelor of Music in Classical Bass Performance and a Bachelor of Arts in Jazz Studies from Otterbein University. On both electric and double bass, he plays in various groups around Columbus, including New Albany Symphony and Westerville Symphony orchestras. He enjoys listening to and playing many types of music, from jazz, pop, to rock and metal. Some of Eric’s favorite performance opportunities are in the pit orchestras of musical theatre productions. When Eric isn’t gigging or at Stanton’s, he enjoys playing video games, hanging out with his cats, performing repair and tech work on guitars, and going to local restaurants and breweries with friends.



Categories: Big Band, Composers, Jazz, Music Education, Staff Picks

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