Nearness Of You - The Ballad Book Is A Double GRAMMY WINNER!!
Congratulations to Michael Brecker on winning his 8th GRAMMY award for Best Jazz Instrumental Solo for his solo on Chan's Song off his new release Nearness of You: The Ballad Book. Congrats as well to James Taylor who won the Grammy for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance for Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight also from Michael's new release Nearness of You: The Ballad Book.
Nearness of You: The Ballad Book is an extraordinary musical expedition, in which seven time Grammy winner, Michael Brecker explores the poetry and narrative scope of the ballad form. Michael is joined on this moving recording by some of the powerhouses of modern music: Herbie Hancock, Charlie Haden, Jack DeJohnette, and Pat Metheney, who also lends his gifts as producer.
Nearness also features two vocal tracks by James Taylor - the first vocal tracks ever to appear on a Michael Brecker album. Taylor sings the jazz standard "The Nearness of You" and reprises his hit song "Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight". This appearance also marks the full circle of a long musical association and friendship: Michael Brecker was featured on the original recording of this song on Taylor's 1972 album One Man Dog, and on four subsequent Taylor albums from that decade.
Nearness of You: The Ballad Book draws from the intimate understanding of the long histories of these great players, and achieves an expansive, meditative, brilliantly hued album that is sublimely beautiful and visceral, impassioned, and uplifting — a peak musical experience.
Produced by Pat Metheny. Co-Produced by Steve Rodby. Executive Producer: Richard Seidel. Music Preparation: Gil Goldstein. Additional Percussion: Dave Samuels. Recorded and Mixed by James Farber. Assistant Engineers: Andrew Fellus, Jason Stasium, Paul Gregory, Timmy Olmstead. Recorded at Right Track Recording, New York, NY December 18-20, 2000. Mixed at Right Track Recording, New York, NY February 7-10, 2001
