Michael Brecker’s brilliance wasn’t an accident. The saxophonist’s incredible solos and intricate lines came from tireless practice and a deep understanding of jazz harmony. If you’ve ever wondered how Brecker tackled those challenging ii–V progressions, we’re about to pull back the curtain on his process.
Why Brecker’s Practice Notebooks Matter
Let’s start with a quick overview: Brecker’s personal practice notebooks have been published for the first time, offering 800 pages of his thoughts, exercises, and ideas (minus the odd phone number or irrelevant scribble). What sets this apart from the countless jazz method books? It’s straight from Brecker himself—the actual material he used to develop his artistry.
One recurring theme in his notebooks is the classic ii–V progression. This cornerstone of jazz harmony takes centre stage in many of his exercises.
Breaking Down ii–V Progressions (And Adding a V7(b5))
The ii–V–I progression is everywhere in jazz. It’s the harmonic glue of countless standards. But Brecker often added a twist, particularly in minor keys, where you might find a ii–V7(b5)–i progression.
What’s with the V7(b5)? It’s like giving the standard V7 a moodier, more chromatic edge. Think of it as the bad boy of dominants. Instead of resolving cleanly, the flattened fifth ramps up the tension before landing on the tonic.
Here’s how it looks in A minor:
- ii: Bm7(b5)
- V7(b5): E7(b5)
- i: Am
Brecker’s approach was to take these progressions and practice them in all keys. Not just because it’s a great technical exercise, but because it opens up your ear to new possibilities. He’d experiment with how phrases interacted with the harmonic framework, turning simple lines into jaw-dropping musical statements.
What Made Brecker’s Practice Routine Unique
Brecker didn’t just repeat phrases; he interrogated them. Richie Beirach, one of Brecker’s collaborators, described how Brecker would take a single idea and twist it every which way—up, down, backwards, in different rhythms. This obsessive attention to detail explains the precision and creativity in his solos.
Jazz Basics Every Player Should Nail
If you’re starting out or looking to level up, here are a few takeaways from Brecker’s notebooks:
- Practice in all keys: Yes, it’s tedious, but it works. Brecker swore by it.
- Master the ii–V progression: This is your bread and butter. Add variations like the V7(b5) to spice things up.
- Focus on voice leading: Smooth, logical movement between chords is key to sounding polished.
- Experiment with phrasing: Don’t just copy lines—transform them.
Why This Book Is a Must-Read
Brecker’s notebooks aren’t just for saxophonists. They’re a resource for any jazz musician looking to understand the mechanics of improvisation. Whether you’re a pianist, bassist, or guitarist, the concepts are universal.
Wrapping Up
So, what can we learn from Brecker? A lot. His tireless approach to practice, his willingness to explore every angle of a phrase, and his commitment to mastering harmony are all lessons for any musician. And if you’re wondering where to start, try playing a ii–V7(b5)–i progression. It’ll sound cool—promise.
Now it’s your turn. Grab your instrument, pick up a copy of The Practice Notebooks of Michael Brecker, and start shedding. And remember: practice in all keys. Brecker wouldn’t have it any other way.