Random Act Records releases NEW music from UMO Jazz Orchestra of Finland with saxophone legend MICHAEL BRECKER - "LIVE IN HELSINKI 1995"
NEW CD is the only live recording of the great Michael Brecker fronting a Big Band. Available in CD format only, ten percent of all sales benefit the Love Hope Strength Foundation.
- New York, NY (1888PressRelease) September 29, 2015 - A live recording of Finnish big band UMO ("New Music Orchestra") Jazz Orchestra and tenor saxophone legend Michael Brecker (1949-2007), Live in Helsinki 1995, was released on September 18, 2015. The concert was recorded at the Royal Cotton Club in Helsinki on October 20,1995. The live recording was produced by Finnish Broadcasting Company Yle and the release is UMO's first from Yle's archives to feature an international soloist. Live in Helsinki 1995 is also Michael Brecker's first and only live album fronting a Big Band (without his brother Randy).
The album features compositions by Michael Brecker, Horace Silver, Vince Mendoza and Kirmo Lintinen, among others, with styles ranging from funk, to bebop and ballads. Brecker was invited to Finland by Rich Shemaria, who was the conductor of the UMO Jazz Ochestra at the time. Shemaria expanded three of Brecker's originals (Slang, Song For Barry and Never Alone) into big band charts; other tunes were arranged by Mendoza, Jiggs Whigham, Michael Mossman and Kenny Berger.
As with all Random Act Records projects, ten percent of the profits will be donated to a charity. In this case, Love Hope Strength Foundation, whose purpose is to raise funds and awareness in order to help people with cancer or leukemia, will benefit from sales. The other Brecker Brother, trumpeter Randy Brecker, and Mike's widow Susan Brecker have been closely involved with the release process. All agreed that Mike would want monies donated to the LHS Foundation, to assist in finding a cure for the ailment that took him from us much too soon.
One of the many highlights, and one instigated by Mike, is the "tenor battle" on Ginare. Saxophonist Manuel Dunkel, then only 24-years-old and a new member of UMO Jazz Orchestra, engaged in a fierce battle with his idol. It tore down the house, and created an inspiring lifelong memory for the Finnish saxophonist. Ginare and Andrea's Song were commissioned specifically for the concert.
It is fitting that two Horace Silver compositions, Nica's Dream and Nutville were on the program. Of course, Mike played these tunes with Horace as a member of Silver's group. He had recorded The Meaning of the Blues previously, though never in a big band context. Invitation, a barn-burning arrangement by saxophonist Kenny Berger, opens the proceedings, but Mike's poignant ballad Never Alone closes the set.
In 1995, Michael Brecker was at the peak of his prodigious powers; no one suspected that he would be gone a dozen years later, at age 57. Live in Helsinki 1995 is an unexpected gift from Mike, one that illustrates the fragility of life, but also the glory of it all.
"This is Michael Brecker and UMO at their very best. You can tell Mike is having a blast and is being pushed to his limit at the same time… Listen to the trading with Manuel Dunkel on "Ginare". Off the charts, and worth the price of admission alone! There is just exceptional playing and writing from everyone, and this CD is testament to the long-term excellence of UMO. As for Michael Brecker -- he never had a dull moment of playing in his professional life… and this live recording shows him to be at the very top of his game… All I can say is WOW! Wow… yes that's "wow" twice!" - Randy Brecker
"Inspiring skills and gorgeous ballads"
- Jukka Hauru, Helsingin Sanomat 22nd October 1995
For more information:
Scott Elias
www.randomactrecords.com
randomactrecords1 ( @ ) gmail dot com
407-443-9099
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