Two Blocks From The Edge

Performer: Michael Brecker
Artist: Joey Calderazzo; Jeff "Tain" Watts
Engineer: James Farber
Distributor: Universal Distribution

Notes: Personnel: Michael Brecker (tenor saxophone); Joey Calderazzo (piano); James Genus (bass); Jeff "Tain" Watts (drums); Don Alias (percussion). Producers: Michael Brecker, Joey Calderazzo. Recorded at Avatar Studios, New York, New York. Personnel: Michael Brecker (tenor saxophone); Joey Calderazzo (piano); Jeff "Tain" Watts (drums); Don Alias (percussion). Audio Mixer: James Farber. Recording information: Avatar Studios, New York, NY. Photographers: Tim White ; Gitte Gammelgaard. Arrangers: Joey Calderazzo; Michael Brecker. Michael Brecker is at the top of his game on TWO BLOCKS FROM THE EDGE. His assembled quintet is under continuous direction from their leader with sometimes no more than a subtle inflection from his powerful horn. Displaying his legendary freight train ('Trane?) chops and razor sharp tone is natural for Brecker, but it's his strength as a bandleader that shines through on this disc. Even with distinguished cohorts like Joey Calderazzo (piano), James Genus (bass), Jeff "Tain" Watts (drums) and Don Alias (percussion) on board, it is clear that Brecker is steering the boat. His trademark muscular style and quirky twists and turns permeate the proceedings. Some creative composition is evident, with Brecker and Calderazzo taking the majority of the writing credits. A strong New Orleans influence appears as "Madame Toulouse" and "Delta City Blues" bookend the session. The prerequisite Latin number, Calderazzo's spicy "El Nino," allows Alias to play one-man percussion ensemble. The gears shift with the subtle ballad "Cat's Cradle," as Brecker and Calderazzo show their introspective sides. Other highlights include Watts' bopping "The Impaler," and the title track, which was inspired by Brecker's late friend Don Grolnick.

As one half of the famous Brecker Brothers, saxophonist Michael Brecker defined the sound of modern electric funk-jazz in the '70s. Since the 1980s, he has been one of the most in-demand session players, appearing on hundreds of recordings in both the jazz and pop fields, and his solo albums have received several Grammys. Brecker is known for his powerful tone, monstrous chops, and endless soloing stamina. He passed away from a leukemia-related illness in early 2006.

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