This is a really dynamic and ambitious live tribute to the legendary saxophonist Michael Brecker, who sadly passed away at the age of 57 in 2007. Bay Area jazzers Charged Particle left as little as possible to chance in preparing for it: “We rehearse a lot,” confirms leader Jon Krosnick. The core trio recruited tenor saxophonist Tod Dickow when the idea of a Brecker tribute was first raised some years ago, and he proves a revelation here. There's no attempt to re-create solos note for note, although Dickow is clearly deeply invested in Brecker's technique and catalogue.

“I certainly listened to enough of Mike's music that it's going to come out in my playing,” Dickow says, “but it's not really like I’ve ever outright tried to imitate him. I just know that some of the devices that he used have become a part of my playing. ”

The set consists of nine tracks, eight Brecker originals and Don Grolnick's ‘Talking to Myself’. Standout cuts include the opener, ‘Peep’, which after a welcoming drum roll or two declares real hard-driving intent and sets the tone for what is to follow, and ‘The Mean Time’, from 2007's Pilgrimage. The set has won plaudits from Michael Brecker's brother Randy: “Everyone is at the top of their Mike game!” It's hard not to agree.