Record Reviews

UMO / MICHAEL BRECKER ~ LIVE IN HELSINKI 1995 RANDOM ACT 1018 (Barcode: 080687830916) ~ FINLAND ~ Big Band Jazz Recorded: 1995 Released: 2015 This is an archival live album by the sensational Finnish UMOFind albums by this artist Jazz Orchestra and American saxophonist / composer Michael BreckerFind albums by this artist. The orchestra includes two legendary bassists: acoustic bass player Pekka SarmantoFind albums by this artist (one of the founding members of UMO) and electric guitar bassist Pekka PohjolaFind albums by this artist (who guests on three tracks only, and who sadly died prematurely in 2008). The album presents ten tracks, three of which are original compositions by Brecker, one is by Finnish composer and a long-time UMO member Kirmo LintinenFind albums by this artist, and the rest are compositions by contemporary American composers and classic Jazz standards, arranged for the Big Band. The music was recorded by the Finnish Broadcasting Company at the Helsinki Royal Cotton Club and offers a superb sound quality. The music is absolutely mind blowing, featuring Brecker at the apex of his career, soloing fiercely on most of the tracks, yet always lyrically and heartbreakingly musically, which of course was his “usual” modus operandi. UMO, which has been since its formation one of the best Big Bands in the world, plays beautifully and with a refined Artistic approach, which elevates the music to incredible heights. All the music was carefully arranged to emphasize the Big Band’s sophistication and power, as well as enabling the soloists to present their skills in full. Overall, released only twenty years after it was recorded, the album is a superb tribute to Michael Brecker, who died tragically in 2007. It presents him as a versatile musician and composer, supported by the excellent Big Band, which supports him with all its might. It is certainly one of the finest example of Big Band / guest soloist albums one can wish for. Beyond recommendation!

Updated: 10/11/2025Posted: 10/11/2025

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