ProJazz.net

Two Blocks from the Edge is Michael Brecker‘s fifth album as a leader. It was recorded in 1997 at Avatar Studios in New York City, and released in 1998. It features pianist Joey Calderazzo and drummer Jeff “Tain” Watts, noted for their work with Branford Marsalis.

Reception

The AllMusic review by Scott Yanow awarded the album 4.5 stars and stated:”Although Michael Brecker made his initial reputation as a greatly in-demand studio player able to play quite credibly in commercial settings, his recordings for Impulse! have all been strictly straight-ahead. Displaying his roots in John Coltrane and Ernie Watts, Brecker has developed his own approach to sheets-of-sound playing while not being shy about playing quite lyrically. From the opening medium-tempo blues “Madame Toulouse” and the catchy “Bye George” (which could almost have been written by Horace Silver) to the funky and slyly humorous closer, “Delta City Blues,” this is a particularly strong outing. With pianist Joey Calderazzo (often emulating McCoy Tyner to at least a small degree) and an alert and intuitive rhythm section (bassist James Genus, drummer Jeff “Tain” Watts, and percussionist Don Alias), Brecker often creates fiery solos that linger to their optimum length before the mood changes. Recommended.”

Track listing
All tracks composed by Michael Brecker, except where indicated.

“Madame Toulouse” – 5:19
“Two Blocks from the Edge” – 8:32
“Bye George” (Joey Calderazzo) – 6:59
“El Niño” (Joey Calderazzo) – 7:41
“Cat’s Cradle” (Joey Calderazzo) – 6:43
“The Impaler” (Jeff “Tain” Watts) – 7:13
“How Long ‘Til the Sun” – 7:39
“Delta City Blues” – 5:37

Personnel
Michael Brecker – tenor saxophone
Joey Calderazzo – acoustic piano
James Genus – bass
Jeff ‘Tain’ Watts – drums
Don Alias – percussion

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Released: May 1998
Recorded: December 20–23, 1997
Studio: Avatar (New York, New York)
Length: 55:43
Label: Impulse! Records
Producer: Michael Brecker, Joey Calderazzo