Michael Brecker

An early 2002 tour of the U.K. found Michael Brecker playing his old material with a larger band that included some instruments usually falling outside the standard jazz combo (i.e., oboe, French horn), providing the genesis for Wide Angles by the 15-piece Michael Brecker Quindectet. The recording makes Brecker the center of attention, and the ten tracks (nine by Brecker along with Don Grolnick's "Evening Faces") are to be considered as a suite according to Brecker and arranger Gil Goldstein. When it sticks to the cerebral and introspective, Wide Angles flows very well, and Brecker is as expressive and inspired as ever. Listeners wanting to hear interactions involving mainstream bassist John Patitucci, the usually experimental violinist Mark Feldman, or any of the other capable players will find their roles too supportive, but with so much focus on the tenor saxophonist, Brecker fanatics will justifiably go ape. [A Japanese version added a bonus track.] ~ David Jeffries, All Music Guide