Michael Brecker: The Mean Time

Michael Brecker had already passed away, after a lengthy battle with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and leukemia, before the release of this final CD. He had hardly played the saxophone in the months leading up to this session, but one would never guess it from this hard-blowing track. Brecker and an all-star ensemble -- Metheny, Hancock, DeJohnette and Patitucci -- are totally in sync from the opening measures. And if anyone in the band thought the ailing Brecker would take it easy, they quickly learned otherwise. He tackles the first solo, and stretches out for two minutes of high energy jazz. Here we have all the distinguishing marks that long set this saxophonist apart from the crowd -- his very smart improvised lines, his potent technique and, above all, his immediately identifiable sound. The interplay between Brecker and Metheny on the melody restatement is especially inspiring. A fitting epitaph to a remarkable career.