Steven Bernstein, Michael Brecker and the Art of Jazz-Hacking the Pop World - Part 1 [Mondo Jazz 125-1]

This week we focus on Steven Bernstein and Michael Brecker, the quintessential jazz-hackers of the pop world. If you heard a compelling saxophone solo on a high-end pop or rock production, especially between the 1970s and 1990s, you could bet it was by Michael Brecker. Likewise, if you have been struck by an elegant yet quirky arrangement on a high-end pop or rock album from the past two decades, the odds were that it had been written by Steven Bernstein. In today's show we'll be alternating songs featuring Michael Brecker mostly as a soloist, with tunes that have Steven Bernstein as either a soloist or arranger. The playlist features Mocean Worker; Catherine Russell; Esther Phillips; Joni Mitchell; Marianne Faithfull; Eric Mingus; Robert Palmer; Cameo; Digable Planets; Michael Franks; Chris Barron; Chaka Khan; Lee "Scratch" Perry; Barabbas and more. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/11543087/Mondo-Jazz (up to the Barabbas). Photo credit: Roberto Cifarelli (Bernstein)