“I am really proud and inspired to be a part of the Saxophone Summit along side some of the most creative soulful musicians in Jazz,” reports Joe Lovano. “This series of podcasts put together by Bret Primack gives everyone a rare view into some very intimate and private moments in the recording studio usually reserved just for us.”
Bret explains: “These films offer portraits of seven truly remarkable people, creating music guaranteed to survive the ages. Although Michael wasn’t present, brother Randy joined the group for several tunes including his own ‘Message to Mike,’ so one of the portraits is a tribute to the late saxman and founding member of the group.”
Joe believes “we were very relaxed and comfortable with Bret and his approach in documenting the session. I’m sure you will feel the Celebration and Reflection of Michael Brecker and Alice Coltrane in the music and in these masterfully done short films.”
Dave Liebman writes:
“Bret has really captured the recording process, but even more so the special feeling we had those days recording with the new Saxophone Summit. There was definitely something very historic and meaningful happening on those days.”
Given the tempestuous nature of a recording session, not many musicians or record labels would allow a filmmaker total access to the creative process. After all, it’s hard enough to make music without having a movie crew in your face.
So when the Saxophone Summit requested video documentation for their second Telarc recording, filmmaker Bret Primack wanted to be as inconspicuous as possible. Instead of a three person crew, he did everything himself: camera, light and sound. And after the session, the editing as well.
Bret shot about twenty hours of video and after repeated viewing, decided to create seven intimate portraits of seven remarkable people. And although Michael Brecker wasn’t present, brother Randy joined the group for several tunes including his own “Message to Mike,” so one of the portraits is a tribute to the late saxman and founding member of the group.
“As always,” Primack reports, “the goal here is two-fold, first to inform and entertain the existing audience, and secondly, to introduce new listeners to this music. The latest data reveals that sixty six percent of people on the web today are watching video. The number of people on YouTube looking for compelling video is staggering. I have nearly two and half million views right now, with more than 10,000 viewers each day for the 220 videos I have posted.”
For more info on the Jazz Video Guy, Bret Primack, please visit: www.planetbret.com
