Nearness of You: The Ballad Book

Michael Brecker | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 19, 2001)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Umvd Labels
• ASIN: B00005B83E
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (31 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #87,091 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

BRECKER MICHAEL NEARNESS OF YOU - THE BALLAD BOOK

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Production, Wonderful Music, June 28, 2001

By 

thejazzdoctor "thejazzdoctor" (Boca Raton, FL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Nearness of You: The Ballad Book (Audio CD)

The reactions to this album have been very mixed indeed, with ratings from 5 stars to 0 (!). I think that part of the confusion is that this certainly is not a typical Michael Brecker album. Whereas Brecker's playing is often quirky and outside (e.g. "Delta City Blues" on Two Blocks From The Edge - what a track), this album is much more "inside". The longing tone is perfectly suited to the material, and the sidemen add to the overall effect.

If you are looking for a fusion album, this isn't it. Further, NO EWI, which I was disappointed by. That said, I personally found this album highly satisfying. The two tracks with vocals both feature James Taylor, and provide a gentle rendition of two of my favourite tunes.

I am certainly looking forward to the next "funky" album from Brecker, but I am not in any way disappointed with the work here. It's got a depth which is worthy of further listening, and is worth every cent I paid for it. Highly recommended.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars warm ballads you'll want at midnight, August 10, 2001

By 

rash67 (USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Nearness of You: The Ballad Book (Audio CD)

I believe it is in ballad playing that a jazz player exposes himself or shows us the depth of his personality or emotions (or lack thereof). The faster jazz gets, the more difficult it may be to play, or co-ordinate parts (Many famous Jazz names spring to mind, here) but the frenetic sounds don't communicate to people's souls like the slower music.

I like this CD and the warm feelings it creates in the listener. James Taylor goes from Folk-rock to Jazz without missing a beat - his style is well adapted to Jazz. Pat Metheney avoids showing off his rapid-fire technical skills and subordinates himself, playing well in a supporting role, as do the other all-stars on the album. Michael Brecker pays careful attention to tone.

you'll find yourself returning to this again and again. After the sound and fury is over, contemplate this at midnight.

three and a half stars for an all-star ballad performance! five stars for recording quality

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Classic Brecker, July 6, 2001

By 

Steve A. (Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Nearness of You: The Ballad Book (Audio CD)

I've always been a pretty huge Michael Brecker fan. I've especially enjoyed his Tenor solos on the pop-oriented ballads of James Taylor ("Don't Let Me Be Lonely.."), Donald Fagen ("Maxine"), Michael Franks ("When She Is Mine"), etc. He floats so effortlessly and lyrically over the changes that I'm always left wanting more.

I bought "Nearness" because it seemed like an opportunity to finally hear him stretch out over some ballads. As it turns out, I was correct.

I love this record. Everyone on it layed down a solid performance. And Michael Brecker's sound seems to have a kind of haunting melancholy thing going on that really sings out on these tunes.

No disappointment here...I highly recommend it.