The way Bob scurries through the changes like a musical squirrel is so AMAZING! I love both solos but I tend to hum Bob's performance more often so.....yeah lol
As strange as the thought of a musical squirrel is, your comment is ENTIRELY accurate. I love BM's use of rhythmic motivic development versus MB's tendency towards eighth note lines. Nevertheless, these are two KILLER solos by a pair of twin tenor GIANTS!!!
I love how in his solo, Don Grolnick references the part in the original Tommy Flanagan solo where Mr. Flanagan loses his place in the changes. Grolnick then resolves this line into his conclusion of a masterfully played solo. Cheeky, and superbly musical.
That is correct and the story is that when Tommy got the tune to check out for the session there was no indication of tempo. Since there were so many changes and shifts in tonality within the bar, he thought it was a ballad and practiced it slowly, never expecting the fast tempo counted off at the recording session. If you want to hear another great rendition of Giant Steps, check out Ravi Coltrane.
I'm glad you mentioned Don Grolnick here. His solo on this was beautifully melodic and showed great skill without broadcasting it. He's really one of the best, and because of being so modest is not that well known or acknowledged enough.
For everybody that is posting these are the best solos on giant steps check out all 10 or more versions of Kenny Garrett going love supreme on these changes
+Nathan-Paul Davis KG is a great player but that shit don't swing like this. Going Love Supreme is great and all but you gotta be able to really swing the f outta this shit not just glaze over it abstractly. Ravi swings this shit something bad
I really dislike Kenny Garrett improvisation style. He is a great musician and great composer but (due my personnel taste), all those screaming are very boring and non aestethic.
Lol heard it first and many many times..of course..Coltrane is tops... but i mean both brecker and mintzer are both fantastic exponents and both have originality which is what JC was all about
I've heard a story of Cannonball Adderley coming in to a studio and sight reading giant steps at around this tempo.. I've never heard the recording I certainly want to.. But here the white guys shine wow Brecker Brothers and Yellowjackets my 2 fav fusion bands, and I'd say Brecker is the best tenor player in the world RIP
It seems like playing giant steps is kind of like trying to distinguish yourself on the roof of a relentlessly speeding train (trane?) Most people get hurled off pretty fast. If you're skilled enough you can do a creditable job of hanging on which seems like the best most players can do. The really great artists are comfortable enough with the train that they can bust some amazing original moves on the roof. Brecker is phenomenal, but I like Mintzer's dance better on this one.
Alex: I am In agreement with your first observation regarding the metaphor of the speeding train.. (However you seem to give your blessing to it in your second observation when it comes to technically gifted folks like Brecker and Mintzer): I might be wrong Regarding your first observation: I am a tenor player who went to many cutting session in which Giant Steps was the played in what should have been a football stadium filled with Cheerleaders:: I like your metaphor. I think that make it or break it tunes like Cherokee and Giant Steps are like American Football moments in American musical history. (Cherokee is not really that much of a challenge and only has the mystique which created unnecessary fear for a rather conventional set up changes!) Giant Steps is really Left Brain: I wonder if Coltrane is rolling over in his grave to see this attempt to take the 2-5-1 to a different plane into a Junior Varsity Contest, More important what would a great composer like Strayhorn think of this? Mintzer and Brecker had incredible ears and chops. And their work is great here!! However would Joshua Redman - an incredibility talented Tenor put so much emphasis on this insanity? I think not. Indeed that is why Jazz has gone the way of esoteric art modalities. After hours session in New York were transmutations of popular tunes done without copyright issues and done better and faster. There is a difference when their is a sense that you hear it on Broadway; But now listen to this. This is not the same as trying to into outer space at the fastest speed. Where is the history and the sensibility? The cure: Everyone who wants to go on a speed trip with these changes should first isten to Louis Armstrong singing and playing "Black and Blue."
Comparing Brecker and Mintzer is not really appropriate! They are 2 very different kind of musicians! Mintzer clearly very melodic and has vast abilities in many fields! Plays flute,clarinet,bass clarinet,soprano sax,tenor sax,baritone sax,writes,arranges,writes educational books,teaches,leading big bands etc etc. Brecker was more focusing on practicing and his clear main focus was tenor sax. I think one can hear the differences very clearly. Both are very unique in their own way.
Are you serious? Brecker played circles around Mintzer. Mintzer sounded at times like he was struggling to keep up with the tempo. It doesn't matter what else he plays, they;re both playing tenor here.
Very well done. I like the fact that the tempo is almost the same as the original by Coltrane. Excellent solos, including the piano. Thanks for uploading this!
Thanks for posting this. Great album with two of the best post Trane sax players! To the people who are arguing about who takes the 2nd solo...you're all wrong. Don Grolnick takes the 2nd solo. Brecker is 1st and Mintzer is 3rd, and they all sound great!
Among tons of others; he played with Wes Montgomery, ofc Ella for many years. He had a pretty good solo on Mr PC on the same record as this tune. He also did a great Trane tribute album, with a redemption of Giant Steps (a must listen if you haven't already). He also played on a Freddie Hubbard album, with Art Farmer, Red Mitchell (on a fantastic duo album called "You're Me"), among countless others. Definitely a hero of mine
I like you Frank! We are all in the learning to relax phase, hahahah! That is the trick huh? That is all I do every time I stick the horn in my mouth is try to relax. At some point there are 12 notes, they are all related and it's all down hill from there. The hand is quicker that the eye. We can already play way faster than our head can think. It's all in your head... head chops. You know... Steps in every key descending chromatically every chorus... then up again...
I felt a more melodic connection to Mintzer's solo and I personally liked it a little better, however Brecker's was a little more intense. He's so relentless and those runs just fly out of him. They are both incredible players.
huge Brecker fan, but Mintzer's solo was better here to my ear. Brecker played over the changes - Mintzer played through them nicely. He was more straight ahead and Coletrane-like, but it was tasty!
If Mintzer is second then Mintzer! Rhythmic sense for the syncopated ideas is clear in his solo. Would have been interesting to hear some dialogue (as in trading or such) to observe how they communicate. The melody does show this too.
I agree. That is the one thing that I missed from this recording. I would have loved to hear them trade. Other than that, how can you go wrong with two tenor giants like these two?
In this version, and in most versions of this song, I don't hear the spiritual intensity and a sense of purpose that you hear AND feel from Coltrane and his playing of Giant Steps. Most musicians have turned the song into some sort of excersize. Why? There's other songs with a lot of changes to zig zag through. Coltrane's mission of innovation began with Giant Steps and his vision quest didn't end till he took his last breath. He can't be matched. In this version, all the clean notes and worked out phases is boring. Technique is a must, but music is so much more than that. I wish I heard more of that "something else" in this and other Giant Steps performances.
@@sblakeification Here's another version: Jazz for Peace™ Founder Rick DellaRatta sings & plays Giant Steps and shows how Jazz For Peace funding can reverse Climate Devastation by helping outstanding causes on the Bruce Hurwitz Show "MEET THE EXPERTS!” czcams.com/video/K73PQfV91X0/video.html First of all, it should be noted that from a purely compositional aspect, there is a huge difference between Giant Steps and A love Supreme from a purely "Spiritual" standpoint. When you say "not much more" - what do you mean?
@@sblakeification If you don't hear the HUGE spiritual differences in tunes like Naima (and numerous other Coltrane Ballads) & A love supreme when compared to his solo on Giant Steps than I can only hope that someday you do.... czcams.com/video/6qp1fGDMeyY/video.html
Didn't they do a blues on this album? If so, could you please upload it? Much appreciated.....I used to have this album and it was an all time favorite of mine...
Gerardo Carrera, to call this "lousy" is ludicrous. Nobody is Coltrane, just like nobody is Brecker or Mintzer. They all have their own voice. If every saxophonist sounded exactly like Coltrane, jazz would be a one dimensional, but this is why we love jazz because everyone is unique their own way with their own signature sound.
@FrankVillafranca No shit huh? I came up playing woodwinds in school and worked in bands until I was 30. Quit playing for 15 years. Started again at 45 and taught myself to play all over again. 1st tune I learned was Giant Step and I have played it from minutes to hours every day for the last 17 years. It's just a scrap of an idea to blow on, when you get the trick it's like blues or rhythm changes it's just a form. It's like listening to guys having a conversation about Trane's idea.
You're right Frank!.I was out of order in calling you a PP and in fact I think overall that we are probably on the same page..I certainly agree when you ask, whatever happened to enjoying emotion on a ballad instead of showing off harmonic prowess and speed like a infant with a new toy..It's good analogy and great that you have taken time out to offer an intelligent opinion..I guess I just hate the term "general public" being used in a way that conveys you on a pedestal..Forgive me if I'm wrong!
At that time Mintzers tone actually was more similar to Breckers. He also played a metal mouthpiece at that time. But the last 35 years or so Mintzer has played rubber pieces. But their playing is of course very different. Two unique masters. Ps. I met up with Mintzer a couple of times for about 10 years ago, and he said that he wanted another sound, and thats why he changed into rubber. And every tenor at that time was compared to Mike Brecker. Thats what he said. I love them both. We lost Brecker to early. But we are lucky to have SO much of his music.
Brecker, Mintzer, only missing Bob Berg. The three great ones. R.I.P Bob Berg & Michael Brecker.
Brecker is the first solo. If you can't pick his sound out of anyone elses you really need more brecker in your life.
maybe you need more brecker in your life
The way Bob scurries through the changes like a musical squirrel is so AMAZING! I love both solos but I tend to hum Bob's performance more often so.....yeah lol
As strange as the thought of a musical squirrel is, your comment is ENTIRELY accurate. I love BM's use of rhythmic motivic development versus MB's tendency towards eighth note lines. Nevertheless, these are two KILLER solos by a pair of twin tenor GIANTS!!!
It's somehow indeed more captivating and the band is responding to him a bit more actively by that point.
I love how in his solo, Don Grolnick references the part in the original Tommy Flanagan solo where Mr. Flanagan loses his place in the changes. Grolnick then resolves this line into his conclusion of a masterfully played solo. Cheeky, and superbly musical.
Brecker’s understanding of this tune is on a whole different level
Arguably the 2 greatest tenor players of all time!!!
Brecker is outstanding here
That is correct and the story is that when Tommy got the tune to check out for the session there was no indication of tempo. Since there were so many changes and shifts in tonality within the bar, he thought it was a ballad and practiced it slowly, never expecting the fast tempo counted off at the recording session. If you want to hear another great rendition of Giant Steps, check out Ravi Coltrane.
I find Erskine AMAZING. He's very underrated imo. He sounds soooo good.
He's a very free spirit as a person. Smiling, enjoying the experience.
Who underrates him? He's a giant.
Hell yeah I agree!!!
Se desgreño aqui, cuando me quede sin pelo asi quiero desgreñarme
i loved his playing on the weather report eponymous album. perfect playing
Challenges the greatness of Trane's solo on his own tune
I agree but Trane was a long time ago.
I loved Grolnick's playing. He was rarely flashy. But he could be.
I'm glad you mentioned Don Grolnick here. His solo on this was beautifully melodic and showed great skill without broadcasting it. He's really one of the best, and because of being so modest is not that well known or acknowledged enough.
For everybody that is posting these are the best solos on giant steps check out all 10 or more versions of Kenny Garrett going love supreme on these changes
+Nathan-Paul Davis KG is a great player but that shit don't swing like this. Going Love Supreme is great and all but you gotta be able to really swing the f outta this shit not just glaze over it abstractly. Ravi swings this shit something bad
I really dislike Kenny Garrett improvisation style. He is a great musician and great composer but (due my personnel taste), all those screaming are very boring and non aestethic.
Great Grolnick piano-solo ! As for the tenors, both have staggering technique, but for warmth & how it makes me FEEL... Bob has it !
It doesn't get any better than this
It doesn't get any better than this? Listen to John Coltrane's version.
wow
Lol heard it first and many many times..of course..Coltrane is tops... but i mean both brecker and mintzer are both fantastic exponents and both have originality which is what JC was all about
@@xiaoningkong8434 piano solo is better tho
Around the corner something even better than this will come along. Makes me want to be here when it arrives.
in my opinion, two of the best solos on giant steps i've ever heard, Brecker amazing, mintzer great rhythm...
Have had this CD for years
I've heard a story of Cannonball Adderley coming in to a studio and sight reading giant steps at around this tempo.. I've never heard the recording I certainly want to.. But here the white guys shine wow Brecker Brothers and Yellowjackets my 2 fav fusion bands, and I'd say Brecker is the best tenor player in the world RIP
It seems like playing giant steps is kind of like trying to distinguish yourself on the roof of a relentlessly speeding train (trane?) Most people get hurled off pretty fast. If you're skilled enough you can do a creditable job of hanging on which seems like the best most players can do. The really great artists are comfortable enough with the train that they can bust some amazing original moves on the roof. Brecker is phenomenal, but I like Mintzer's dance better on this one.
That's a really, really good way of looking at it.
Great analogy..
What a great album cover that'd make.
Alex: I am In agreement with your first observation regarding the metaphor of the speeding train.. (However you seem to give your blessing to it in your second observation when it comes to technically gifted folks like Brecker and Mintzer): I might be wrong
Regarding your first observation:
I am a tenor player who went to many cutting session in which Giant Steps was the played in what should have been a football stadium filled with Cheerleaders:: I like your metaphor. I think that make it or break it tunes like Cherokee and Giant Steps are like American Football moments in American musical history. (Cherokee is not really that much of a challenge and only has the mystique which created unnecessary fear for a rather conventional set up changes!) Giant Steps is really Left Brain: I wonder if Coltrane is rolling over in his grave to see this attempt to take the 2-5-1 to a different plane into a Junior Varsity Contest,
More important what would a great composer like Strayhorn think of this?
Mintzer and Brecker had incredible ears and chops. And their work is great here!! However would Joshua Redman - an incredibility talented Tenor put so much emphasis on this insanity? I think not. Indeed that is why Jazz has gone the way of esoteric art modalities. After hours session in New York were transmutations of popular tunes done without copyright issues and done better and faster. There is a difference when their is a sense that you hear it on Broadway; But now listen to this. This is not the same as trying to into outer space at the fastest speed. Where is the history and the sensibility? The cure: Everyone who wants to go on a speed trip with these changes should first isten to Louis Armstrong singing and playing "Black and Blue."
Yes, great trane analogy.
Comparing Brecker and Mintzer is not really appropriate! They are 2 very different kind of musicians! Mintzer clearly very melodic and has vast abilities in many fields! Plays flute,clarinet,bass clarinet,soprano sax,tenor sax,baritone sax,writes,arranges,writes educational books,teaches,leading big bands etc etc. Brecker was more focusing on practicing and his clear main focus was tenor sax. I think one can hear the differences very clearly. Both are very unique in their own way.
Are you serious? Brecker played circles around Mintzer. Mintzer sounded at times like he was struggling to keep up with the tempo. It doesn't matter what else he plays, they;re both playing tenor here.
Best clever comment. Music is not a Challenge, especially with this Two Monsters. Only respect
Brecker was an excellent clarinettist and flutist as well. He was a much better flute player than Bob as well.
@@sblakeification anytime someone phrases asymetrically on you tube some idiot claims they're struggling with the tempo or sound lost.
@@paxwallacejazz i see this all the time. they just don't listen enough lol
I love Bob Mintzer’s last 8 bars! so melodic! I mean I love it all, but that 8 is fantastic! 👍🏽🙏🏽🤟🏽🤙🏽🎵🎷
Formanek walking his ASS off!
Great... now I'm going to be humming these solos all night.
the pianist actually takes the cake here
i'm kookoo for brecker, buta boy, i gotta check out more mintzer. he's got a real warm tone
Very well done. I like the fact that the tempo is almost the same as the original by Coltrane. Excellent solos, including the piano. Thanks for uploading this!
man, mintzers so lyrical. love it
Mintzer: smokin'
Love Brecker. Love Mintzer more.
A very technical tune to play and two of the best playing it.
I love the way Don Grolnik played. Another who went away too soon.
love how mitzer restates the head during the end of his solo, but with those harmonic registers. very cool!
Love it man!
ALL these guys are killin' me here!!!
Awsome stuff!
THIS IS GREAT GREAT GREAT GREAT GREAT
Really nice!!! Erskine is fantastic...
exactly, he's got an amazing sound, underrated imo
Thanks for posting this. Great album with two of the best post Trane sax players! To the people who are arguing about who takes the 2nd solo...you're all wrong. Don Grolnick takes the 2nd solo. Brecker is 1st and Mintzer is 3rd, and they all sound great!
That is correct. Thank you. Those that can't hear it are many and shouldn't talk. Instead of judging they should try listening more.
2:22 Just let go of them horns. Then a few hits by Erskine, and Grolnick is up.
yes unique and beautiful
Grolnick quoting the original piano chord melody. Tommy Flanigan can't escape the memes man.
Tommy Flanagan will be forever known for his famous screw up.. A shame honestly, he's a fantastic player.
True. His playing on Saxophone Colossus was great.
Among tons of others; he played with Wes Montgomery, ofc Ella for many years. He had a pretty good solo on Mr PC on the same record as this tune. He also did a great Trane tribute album, with a redemption of Giant Steps (a must listen if you haven't already). He also played on a Freddie Hubbard album, with Art Farmer, Red Mitchell (on a fantastic duo album called "You're Me"), among countless others. Definitely a hero of mine
Listen to his trio take on giant steps
I actually didn't think of the solo as a screw up for many years. For me it's just a beautiful recorded piece of music history.
Wow! Those changes always give me chills.Fantastic!
Drums fantastic.
Very fine version.
A great album altogether. They do phenomenal things on this album together. Five stars all the way.
Brecker the absolute master. Sorry Bob. You were the sous-chef on this.
great playing
Peter Erskine is one of the best...
very inspired playing!
I'd also like to say that Erskine blew me away on drums. His playing is so responsive.
Amazing.....
Something to get from both... such greats blowers.
I like you Frank! We are all in the learning to relax phase, hahahah! That is the trick huh? That is all I do every time I stick the horn in my mouth is try to relax. At some point there are 12 notes, they are all related and it's all down hill from there. The hand is quicker that the eye. We can already play way faster than our head can think. It's all in your head... head chops. You know... Steps in every key descending chromatically every chorus... then up again...
yes yes yes evening for Tenor Saxophone
that is beat generation. that is awesome.
I felt a more melodic connection to Mintzer's solo and I personally liked it a little better, however Brecker's was a little more intense. He's so relentless and those runs just fly out of him. They are both incredible players.
I don't even know why I'm watching this. Brecker and Mintzer trading on probably the most difficult standard. Nobody should be this good.
Yeah Frank! Bingo and thank you.
yooo sooo intenseeee.
burning .!!
inspiring
totally agree!!
huge Brecker fan, but Mintzer's solo was better here to my ear. Brecker played over the changes - Mintzer played through them nicely. He was more straight ahead and Coletrane-like, but it was tasty!
Steve Marchbank brecker is first right?
I disagree brecker sounded more trane-like if anything
Brecker. That first solo was off da chains! Plus the sound was killing.
♥
If Mintzer is second then Mintzer! Rhythmic sense for the syncopated ideas is clear in his solo. Would have been interesting to hear some dialogue (as in trading or such) to observe how they communicate. The melody does show this too.
I agree. That is the one thing that I missed from this recording. I would have loved to hear them trade. Other than that, how can you go wrong with two tenor giants like these two?
further more... its Michael Brecker.. and Mintzer. Everything they do is brilliant.
como profesional me encanta
Sin dudas el primero que juega es Bob y despues Mike Brecker. Dos gigantes del jazz.
I need my shovel because I'm diggin this
NICE...
In this version, and in most versions of this song, I don't hear the spiritual intensity and a sense of purpose that you hear AND feel from Coltrane and his playing of Giant Steps. Most musicians have turned the song into some sort of excersize. Why? There's other songs with a lot of changes to zig zag through. Coltrane's mission of innovation began with Giant Steps and his vision quest didn't end till he took his last breath. He can't be matched. In this version, all the clean notes and worked out phases is boring. Technique is a must, but music is so much more than that. I wish I heard more of that "something else" in this and other Giant Steps performances.
Here you go! Rick DellaRatta plays Giant Steps czcams.com/video/RH_1kXuZHqo/video.html
@@jazzforpeace That one seems to be all technique and not much more. I've yet to hear anyone come close to the original.
@@sblakeification Here's another version: Jazz for Peace™ Founder Rick DellaRatta sings & plays Giant Steps and shows how Jazz For Peace funding can reverse Climate Devastation by helping outstanding causes on the Bruce Hurwitz Show "MEET THE EXPERTS!”
czcams.com/video/K73PQfV91X0/video.html First of all, it should be noted that from a purely compositional aspect, there is a huge difference between Giant Steps and A love Supreme from a purely "Spiritual" standpoint. When you say "not much more" - what do you mean?
@@jazzforpeace If you have to ask then youll never understand. Eric Person pretty much nailed it.
@@sblakeification If you don't hear the HUGE spiritual differences in tunes like Naima (and numerous other Coltrane Ballads) & A love supreme when compared to his solo on Giant Steps than I can only hope that someday you do.... czcams.com/video/6qp1fGDMeyY/video.html
Didn't they do a blues on this album? If so, could you please upload it? Much appreciated.....I used to have this album and it was an all time favorite of mine...
Yup
this bass player is going nuts lol
Wonderful, Bob Cooper and Richie Kamuka (tenors) would have loved it.
Gerardo Carrera, to call this "lousy" is ludicrous. Nobody is Coltrane, just like nobody is Brecker or Mintzer. They all have their own voice. If every saxophonist sounded exactly like Coltrane, jazz would be a one dimensional, but this is why we love jazz because everyone is unique their own way with their own signature sound.
Oh! I couldn't tell which is which.
Everyone loves Brecker. I love Mintzer. This track is one example of why I don't mind staying on my island. Kudos to Brecker though.
Nice!!! Great Post, What are the other tracks on the album?
Wow, this still has that great kinda 80s vibe swing feel.
Heey que som !
No way! It's Mintzer
COLOSSAL
YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
@FrankVillafranca No shit huh? I came up playing woodwinds in school and worked in bands until I was 30. Quit playing for 15 years. Started again at 45 and taught myself to play all over again. 1st tune I learned was Giant Step and I have played it from minutes to hours every day for the last 17 years. It's just a scrap of an idea to blow on, when you get the trick it's like blues or rhythm changes it's just a form. It's like listening to guys having a conversation about Trane's idea.
does anyone know where I can get this album? can't find it anywhere...love my boy Breck
bob wins! :-)
Why would they want to do it like Coltrane? Coltrane already did it like Coltrane.
Tradition
supahsekzy EXACTLY
You'll prefer it like Kenny G ?
@@magohipnosis Tradition and beyond > legacy.
Homage
Grolnick!
sa fait mal
😃❤️🍀🌸
🌱😀🌺💙
Brecker is so swinging
2nd solo was Brecker
Pretty sure that the pianist on the original recording of "Giant Steps" is Tommy Flanagan. Not Wynton Kelly.
yes you are right
You're right Frank!.I was out of order in calling you a PP and in fact I think overall that we are probably on the same page..I certainly agree when you ask, whatever happened to enjoying emotion on a ballad instead of showing off harmonic prowess and speed like a infant with a new toy..It's good analogy and great that you have taken time out to offer an intelligent opinion..I guess I just hate the term "general public" being used in a way that conveys you on a pedestal..Forgive me if I'm wrong!
One of the more intelligent comments on music
who solos first? mintzer? or brecker? i think brecker goes second but I'm still not sure
Mike seems frenetic and redundant. Bob is composed and creative.
💙☺️❣️😔🎶🥀
At that time Mintzers tone actually was more similar to Breckers. He also played a metal mouthpiece at that time. But the last 35 years or so Mintzer has played rubber pieces.
But their playing is of course very different. Two unique masters.
Ps. I met up with Mintzer a couple of times for about 10 years ago, and he said that he wanted another sound, and thats why he changed into rubber.
And every tenor at that time was compared to Mike Brecker.
Thats what he said.
I love them both. We lost Brecker to early. But we are lucky to have SO much of his music.
+1