What a treasure to have access to these notebooks! Besides the invaluable musical material, what shines through is the patience, humility, generosity, and persistence of Michael Brecker's artistic devotion. He brought such focus and dedication to every note he ever played, and here we have a glimpse into his process. Such an inspiration, on every level.
—Chris Potter
Sher Music Co. proudly presents The Practice Notebooks of Michael Brecker, an extraordinary release that grants unprecedented access to the inner workings of one of the greatest saxophonists in jazz history.
This remarkable publication offers a rare opportunity for musicians to dive deep into the mind of a jazz legend and unlock the secrets of his improvisational mastery. Featuring over 700 beautifully engraved entries, The Practice Notebooks of Michael Brecker chronicles 35 years of Brecker's artistic journey, capturing his inspirations, ideas, and musical explorations that he felt were worthy of preserving. This publication also includes first-hand accounts and reflections from Brecker's bandmates and collaborators, including Joey Calderazzo, John Patitucci, Richie Beirach, Steve Khan, Dave Liebman, and others.
These personal recollections will greatly aid the reader to incorporate Brecker's vocabulary into his or her own playing. Also included is a saxophone-specific Appendix with suggestions for fingerings, multiphonics, etc. Available in both print and digital formats.
For more information, interviews, or media inquiries, please contact: Chuck Sher at [email protected].
“You can get right inside Mike's head if you spend time studying and internalizing these hundreds of musical ideas and theories. Have fun seeing where they lead you! You'll be very surprised with your advancement and your own ideas which will start to formulate too in the process.” —Randy Brecker
“Wow. What a treasure trove of information. So much love and dedication put into his music. I read a tea leaf once that said the mind is like a computer as it gives you back the information the same way you put it in. Mike left no stones unturned!” —Jerry Bergonzi
“What an incredible contribution to Michael's legacy and to the improvising world at large. Your catalog is a gift and godsend for musicians.” —Peter Erskine
“This is an invaluable look into the musical mind of Mike Brecker and deep insights into how he meticulously created a path to developing his very personal approach to the existing jazz vocabulary. What's even more amazing is that even though you will see a great intellect at work, it is the overwhelming humanity of Mike's sound that permeates all his technical achievements. Recommended without reservation!!” —Richie Beirach
“This is an amazing method for compiling vocabulary for use in improvisation, plus a whole lot of great ideas to experiment with. A beautifully done book, reminding me that I miss Michael Brecker every day.” —Mike Stern
“That such an artist would have documented so much of the meticulous work that fed his artistry is rare. For others to have access to such an archive is miraculous. For all of us to be able to witness the dedication and hard work it took to make Michael the great artist he was is inspiring. To say this is a treasure trove is beyond an understatement.” —Maria Schneider
“A genuine Master musician at work. It's inspiring to get an in-depth look at Michael's process. His life and artistry is a gift to us all.” —Donny McCaslin
“This is a great project and I'm so happy that you put this together. Michael Brecker has been a huge inspiration in my life with his music and to glimpse into his practice journals is a wonderful treat.” —Seamus Blake
“Mike Brecker was a towering figure on the saxophone, and I was fortunate to have played with him a lot during our younger years. This amazing compilation offers great insight into his methods. Remember, Mike was never satisfied and I'm sure he practiced each bit of material here in all keys, and turned it around every which way until he found ways to use it creatively. I'm looking forward to delving into it myself!” —Barry Finnerty
“A really great book. Mike is a treasure in our music. Always a student as well as a leader. I was fortunate to have Mike on a few of my record dates. He would call me to discuss certain chord changes and would ask me how I approached the harmony in improvisation. He was always searching and reaching for new heights in his musical expression. A beautiful soul. This book really shows Mike's commitment to his personal growth and exploration. There are so many fantastic musical insights here. Go slow and take it in!” —Alan Pasqua
“Chuck Sher and his staff have provided a finely organized, in-depth look into the dedication, passion, and extraordinary creativity of Michael Brecker's musical journey.” —Denny Zeitlin
“The book looks great. Wish I'd had this 40 years ago!” —Tim Armacost
“This is a godsend. This is above and beyond, Chuck. This is a completely different type of book. Even if you don't copy it exactly and do what Mike did, this shows how organized great players are. Great players practice greatly. People are great players because they're great practicers! I could use this book in about 10 different ways. I remember Jimmy Heath saying 'Anybody could play like Coltrane, all you have to do is practice like Coltrane.'” —Denis DiBlasio
This remarkable publication offers a rare opportunity for musicians to dive deep into the mind of a jazz legend and unlock the secrets of his improvisational mastery. Featuring over 700 beautifully engraved entries, The Practice Notebooks of Michael Brecker chronicles 35 years of Brecker's artistic journey, capturing his inspirations, ideas, and musical explorations that he felt were worthy of preserving. This publication also includes first-hand accounts and reflections from Brecker's bandmates and collaborators, including Joey Calderazzo, John Patitucci, Richie Beirach, Steve Khan, Dave Liebman, and others.
These personal recollections will greatly aid the reader to incorporate Brecker's vocabulary into his or her own playing. Also included is a saxophone-specific Appendix with suggestions for fingerings, multiphonics, etc. Available in both print and digital formats.
For more information, interviews, or media inquiries, please contact: Chuck Sher at [email protected].
Praise for The Practice Notebooks Of Michael Brecker
“What an achievement. I'm excited for all my tenor and soprano saxophonist friends and colleagues, but more broadly though, this book is a fascinating look into the mental process of a musician who has had an impact on so many musicians and listeners.” —Brad Mehldau“You can get right inside Mike's head if you spend time studying and internalizing these hundreds of musical ideas and theories. Have fun seeing where they lead you! You'll be very surprised with your advancement and your own ideas which will start to formulate too in the process.” —Randy Brecker
“Wow. What a treasure trove of information. So much love and dedication put into his music. I read a tea leaf once that said the mind is like a computer as it gives you back the information the same way you put it in. Mike left no stones unturned!” —Jerry Bergonzi
“What an incredible contribution to Michael's legacy and to the improvising world at large. Your catalog is a gift and godsend for musicians.” —Peter Erskine
“This is an invaluable look into the musical mind of Mike Brecker and deep insights into how he meticulously created a path to developing his very personal approach to the existing jazz vocabulary. What's even more amazing is that even though you will see a great intellect at work, it is the overwhelming humanity of Mike's sound that permeates all his technical achievements. Recommended without reservation!!” —Richie Beirach
“This is an amazing method for compiling vocabulary for use in improvisation, plus a whole lot of great ideas to experiment with. A beautifully done book, reminding me that I miss Michael Brecker every day.” —Mike Stern
“That such an artist would have documented so much of the meticulous work that fed his artistry is rare. For others to have access to such an archive is miraculous. For all of us to be able to witness the dedication and hard work it took to make Michael the great artist he was is inspiring. To say this is a treasure trove is beyond an understatement.” —Maria Schneider
“A genuine Master musician at work. It's inspiring to get an in-depth look at Michael's process. His life and artistry is a gift to us all.” —Donny McCaslin
“This is a great project and I'm so happy that you put this together. Michael Brecker has been a huge inspiration in my life with his music and to glimpse into his practice journals is a wonderful treat.” —Seamus Blake
“Mike Brecker was a towering figure on the saxophone, and I was fortunate to have played with him a lot during our younger years. This amazing compilation offers great insight into his methods. Remember, Mike was never satisfied and I'm sure he practiced each bit of material here in all keys, and turned it around every which way until he found ways to use it creatively. I'm looking forward to delving into it myself!” —Barry Finnerty
“A really great book. Mike is a treasure in our music. Always a student as well as a leader. I was fortunate to have Mike on a few of my record dates. He would call me to discuss certain chord changes and would ask me how I approached the harmony in improvisation. He was always searching and reaching for new heights in his musical expression. A beautiful soul. This book really shows Mike's commitment to his personal growth and exploration. There are so many fantastic musical insights here. Go slow and take it in!” —Alan Pasqua
“Chuck Sher and his staff have provided a finely organized, in-depth look into the dedication, passion, and extraordinary creativity of Michael Brecker's musical journey.” —Denny Zeitlin
“The book looks great. Wish I'd had this 40 years ago!” —Tim Armacost
“This is a godsend. This is above and beyond, Chuck. This is a completely different type of book. Even if you don't copy it exactly and do what Mike did, this shows how organized great players are. Great players practice greatly. People are great players because they're great practicers! I could use this book in about 10 different ways. I remember Jimmy Heath saying 'Anybody could play like Coltrane, all you have to do is practice like Coltrane.'” —Denis DiBlasio
