Released this autumn, UMO Jazz Orchestra and sax legend Michael Brecker’s collaboration album 'Live in Helsinki' 1995 has hit the jackpot with jazz critics. Especially in the U.S., the album has been noted – with special warmth: Down Beat – the Bible for any fan of jazz – rewarded the album with 4 ½ stars out of 5 in their January issue, and JazzTimes has only positive things to say about this “stellar archival find”.
Recorded live at the newly-opened Royal Cotton Club by Yle in October 1995, ‘Live in Helsinki 1995’ is the first release for UMO with an international soloist to be dug out of Yle’s archives. For Brecker, it was the first live album with a big band. The album came out on U.S. label Random Act Records and the saxophonist’s brother, trumpeter Randy Brecker, and widow Susan were intimately involved in the process.
This is Michael Brecker and UMO at their very best. You can tell Mike is having a blast and is being pushed to his limit at the same time... Listen to the trading with Manuel Dunkel on 'Ginare'. Off the charts, and worth the price of admission alone! There is just exceptional playing and writing from everyone, and this CD is testament to the long term excellence of UMO. As for Michael Brecker he never had a dull moment of playing in his professional life... and this live recording shows him to be at the very top of his game... All I can say is WOW! Wow... yes that's "wow" twice! – Randy Brecker