UMO Jazz Orchestra & Michael Brecker - Live in Helsinki 1995

In 1995, Tenor Saxophonist MICHAEL BRECKER was at the peak of his prodigious powers. He journeyed to Finland to perform with one of Europes best Big Bands, the UMO Jazz Orchestra. With only one short rehearsal, a very loose and joyful Brecker wowed the audience in Helsinki. Thankfully, the Finnish Broadcasting Company (YLE) happened to capture the magic of that night. Now, LIVE IN HELSINKI 1995 is a valuable addition to Mikes formidable legacy: It is his first and only live recording fronting a Big Band. The set features arrangements by some of the finest writers in music. Rich Shemaria conducts and contributes charts on the Brecker Brothers tunes Slang, Song For Barry and Never Alone. Others were arranged by Jiggs Whigham, Vince Mendoza, Michael Mossman and Kenny Berger. The album kicks off with the standard Invitation From the first notes it is evident something very special is happening. Bergers arrangement is lit up by the inspired UMO players and Mike wails with glee. Then the crowd-pleasing Slang, followed by the absolutely gorgeous ballad Andreas Song. This piece was commissioned by UMO for Mike, and he delivers a heartfelt performance. Two Horace Silver tunes, the Latin fire of Nicas Dream and the steaming Nutville are appropriately included. Silver was Mikes bandleader and lifelong inspiration. Mendozas elegant The Big Picture is given a stirring treatment, as is Whighams chart on The Meaning Of The Blues. Sounding relaxed yet exhilarated, Brecker illustrates why he was THE saxophone champion of his generation, and why he continues to influence legions of fans. Ginare, an opus by Finnish composer Kirmo Lintinen, is the real showpiece of the night. An epic tenor battle between Michael and young saxophonist Manuel Dunkel (who was then only 24-years-old and the newest addition to UMO) tears down the house. Dunkel holds his own with his hero; at times, it is even difficult to tell them apart. Everyone wins this awesome effort. Mikes poignant ballad Never Alone closes the set. In 1995, no one suspected that these would be his last musical breaths in Finland. The album is an unexpected gift from Michael Brecker, one that illustrates the fragility of life, but also celebrates its grandeur. The saxophone titan died at age 57, in 2007.