Michael Brecker: Song for Bilbao
Musicians:
Michael Brecker (tenor sax), Pat Metheny (guitar), McCoy Tyner (piano), Dave Holland (bass), Jack DeJohnette (drums), Don Alias (congas).
Recorded: New York, 1996
Rating: 92/100 (learn more)
Listeners should expect transcendence from a lineup like this, and even the highest expectations are exceeded. Brecker’s pop sensibilities do not detract from the sophistication of his playing, but give it an accessibility not easily achieved by Coltrane-inspired tenormen. The song powers along like a tidal wave with Tyner’s heavy chords, Holland’s booming bass, and the complex, polyrhythmic wall of sound courtesy of DeJohnette and Alias. Metheny astoundingly soars above it all on his synth guitar; as he climbs higher and higher the group grabs onto his tail, climaxing with an intensity that is nearly impossible to duplicate.
Reviewer: Matt Leskovic
Tags: 1990s jazz · tenor sax
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