Talking Jazz w/ Ben Sidran – Episode 8: Michael Brecker

Here’s the story: back in the mid-80’s on National Public Radio (NPR) in America, a show ran called Sidran On Record. Presented by Ben Sidran, a musician, author, lecturer and journalist, the show featured interviews with the great and the good from the world of Jazz. Miles, Dizzy, Herbie and Grover were amongst 60 interviews that ran over the course of 5 years. Many of the legends featured are sadly no longer with us, but the recordings are, and several years back Ben released these as part of a wonderful, 24 CD box set called Talking Jazz – bringing to life a golden period of entertainment and understanding as we learn about the masters, their thoughts and their works. Whilst this may seem like an advert for this prestigious box set, it isn’t really. Promise. We’ve been in touch with Ben and asked for his permission to use these interviews and create our own shows based on his works. Ben gave it two thumbs up and we’re delighted to present to you Talking Jazz with Ben Sidran – our most ambitious project to date.

Episode Eight is produced by Scott Fugate and this time it’s over to the Jazz Evangelist to explain in a little more detail his feelings towards the show:

“It is a honor & privilege to be able to remix & reproduce this classic interview with one of my all-time favorite musicians, Michael Brecker. It was a surprisingly emotional and spiritual process for me as I sought just the right music to illustrate his words, capture his brilliance, showcase his unique way of hearing & creating melodies, the way he blended harmonies, the beauty & soul of his style which often takes my breath away, and his humility & gentle spirit which he lived and made audible through his horn. Upon completing & listening to this episode, I was rather surprised to find myself crying at the end. This is my homage to Michael, who left us far too soon – but whose music will continue to live and influence generations to come. R.I.P. I love you brother.”

J. Scott Fugate, “The Jazz Evangelist”.

If you fancy buying the essential box set, which includes the full sixty interviews, then here’s where you need to go.

Enjoy!

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Talking Jazz w/ Ben Sidran
Episode 8: Michael Brecker

Artist – Track – Album – Year

The Brecker Brothers    Some Skunk Funk (excerpt)    The Brecker Brothers    1975
The Brecker Brothers    Twilight (background excerpt)    The Brecker Brothers    1975
The Brecker Brothers    Sponge (excerpt)    The Brecker Brothers    1975
The Brecker Brothers    Some Skunk Funk (excerpt)    The Brecker Brothers    1975
The Brecker Brothers    Squids (excerpt)    Don’t Stop The Music    1977
The Brecker Brothers Band    Grease Piece (excerpt)    Back To Back    1976
The Brecker Brothers    Don’t Stop The Music (excerpt)    Don’t Stop The Music    1977
The Brecker Brothers    Funky Sea, Funky Dew (live/excerpt)   
Heavy Metal Be-Bop    1978
Steps Ahead    Safari (excerpt)    Modern Times    1984
Steps Ahead    Oops (live/excerpt)    Live In Tokyo 1986    1986
Michael Brecker    My One and Only Love (excerpt)    Michael Brecker    1987
Claus Ogerman & Michael Brecker   
In The Presence & Absence of Each Other (Part 1/excerpt)    Cityscape    1982
Michael Brecker    Naima (background excerpt)   
Directions In Music: Live at Massey Hall    2002
The Brecker Brothers    On The Backside (background excerpt)   
Return of the Brecker Brothers    1992
Michael Brecker    Naima (excerpt)   
Directions In Music: Live at Massey Hall    2002
The Brecker Brothers    Scrunch (excerpt)    Out of the Loop    1994
Steps Ahead    Magnetic Love (excerpt)    Magnetic    1986
Steps Ahead    Sumo (live / excerpt)    Live In Tokyo 1986    1986
Michael Brecker    Ode To The Doo Da Day (excerpt)   
Now You See It . . . (Now You Don’t)    1990
Michael Brecker    Solo EWI Improvisation (during interview)   
Talking Jazz with Ben Sidran    1986
Steps Ahead    Sumo (live/background excerpt)    Live In Tokyo 1986    1986
The Brecker Brothers    African Skies (excerpt)    Out of the Loop    1994
The Brecker Brothers    Big Idea    Return of the Brecker Brothers    1992