Book cover of 'The Practice Notebooks of Michael Brecker' by Sher Music Co., with an inspirational photo of Michael Brecker playing saxophone.

Practice Notebooks of Michael Brecker

By Sher Music Co

The Private Practice Journals of a Modern Jazz Icon

Throughout his entire career, legendary saxophonist Michael Brecker kept extensive notes on the most interesting musical ideas that arose in his daily practice. 

Over 700 entries from Brecker’s personal practice journals have been preserved and beautifully re-engraved, offering unprecedented access to the inner workings of this jazz master. 

Because Brecker frequently advised to “Play in all keys,” this material is relevant to all treble clef instruments, not just saxophone. 

Includes:

  • First-hand accounts of how Michael actually worked on these ideas from his bandmates Joey Calderazzo, John Patitucci, Richie Beirach, Steve Khan, Dave Liebman, etc.

  • An appendix of his saxophone-specific ideas on fingerings, multiphonics, etc.

  • 35 years of Michael Brecker's musical inspirations at your fingertips!

For intermediate as well as advanced musicians - you don't have to be a genius to learn from a genius!

Important new Appendix added:
Appendix IV - Michael Brecker's Practice Method (in his own words!)

Spiral-bound, 141 pages, Table of Contents. 

Sample Pages: Page 30, Page 59, Page 68, Page 125

Endorsements:

“What an incredible contribution to Michael's legacy and to the improvising world at large. Your catalog is a gift and godsend for musicians.”
— Peter Erskine 

“What a treasure to have access to these notebooks! Such an inspiration, on every level.”
— Chris Potter

“A genuine Master musician at work. It's inspiring to get an in-depth look at Michael's process. His life and artistry is a gift to us all.”
— Donny McCaslin 

“You can get right inside Mike's head if you spend time studying and internalizing these hundreds of musical ideas and theories. Have fun seeing where they lead you! You'll be very surprised with your advancement...”
— Randy Brecker

“That such an artist would have documented so much of the meticulous work that fed his artistry is rare. For others to have access to such an archive is miraculous. For all of us to be able to witness the dedication and hard work it took to make Michael the great artist he was is inspiring. To say this is a treasure trove is beyond an understatement.” 
— Maria Schneider 
Format: Print
$32.00
All Books Spiral-Bound to Lay Flat on Any Music Stand
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Primary Instrument: All Instruments
Primary Instrument: All Instruments

“Wow. What a treasure trove of information. So much love and dedication put into his music. I read a tea leaf once that said the mind is like a computer as it gives you back the information the same way you put it in. Mike left no stone unturned!”
— Jerry Bergonzi

“This is an invaluable look into the musical mind of Mike Brecker and deep insights into how he meticulously created a path to developing his very personal approach to the existing jazz vocabulary. What's even more amazing is that even though you will see a great intellect at work, it is the overwhelming humanity of Mike's sound that permeates all his technical achievements. Recommended without reservation!!”
— Richie Beirach

“What an achievement. I'm excited for all my tenor and soprano saxophonist friends and colleagues, but more broadly though, this book is a fascinating look into the mental process of a musician who has had an impact on so many musicians and listeners.”
— Brad Mehldau

“This is an amazing method for compiling vocabulary for use in improvisation, plus a whole lot of great ideas to experiment with. A beautifully done book, reminding me that I miss Michael Brecker every day.”
— Mike Stern

“Wow, incredible! This will become an invaluable piece of Mike's legacy, and a valued resource.”
— Susan Brecker

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