Nearness of You: The Ballad Book

Michael Brecker

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 19, 2001)
• Original Release Date: June 19, 2001
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Umvd Labels
• ASIN: B00005B83E
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (30 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #107,867 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Ballad albums can be tricky affairs. How do you create tempos that are sensuous but not sluggish? What makes a ballad moody and beautiful and not just boring? Those questions seem moot when the musicians involved are tenor-sax titan Michael Brecker, guitarist Pat Metheny, drummer Jack DeJohnette, pianist Herbie Hancock, and bassist Charlie Haden, but heavy hitters don't necessarily insure success. Nearness of You: The Ballad Book begins with Hancock's willowy "Chan's Song." Performed at a sleepy tempo, it is a languid introduction, even for an all-ballad album. Brecker and Metheny blow mighty solos, but the song remains passive. James Taylor guests on a mellow rendition of "Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight" and on the title track. Taylor's yearning tenor is warm and expressive, but the band treats him with kid gloves, as if playing too closely might break the singer in half. Things look up on Joe Zawinul's "Midnight Mood," a twilight vehicle with sumptuous solos all around. Nearness is divided into Chapter One and Chapter Two, and Chapter Two really shines, particularly the original contributions by producer Metheny and Brecker. The entire ensemble becomes more involved and animated, with rapt solos on Brecker's "Incandescence" and Metheny's bittersweet "Sometimes I See" and "Seven Days." Nearness features ample performances, but for truly inspired ballad fare, check out singer Johnny Hartman's I Just Dropped by to Say Hello, or the quintessential Ballads, by John Coltrane. --Ken Micallef

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

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

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

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.

8 of 8 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 (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

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

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Classic Brecker, July 7, 2001

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

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.