New CD:
Live at the Baked Potato!
"Favorite Jazz
Releases of 2021"
JazzTimes Magazine
(Bill Meredith)
"Best of 2021"
Jazz Journalists Association
(Bill Milkowski)
"Best New Jazz Albums"
Jazzwise Magazine
"Ten 2021 Albums
Worth A Listen"
San Jose Mercury News
(Andrew Gilbert)
"2021's Best
Jazz Albums"
Glide Magazine
"Top Ten New 2021
Jazz Releases"
16th Annual Jazz Critics Poll
(Michael G. Nastos)
"Best Jazz & Beyond
Albums of 2022"
All About Jazz
(Mark Sullivan)
"Best of 2021:
The 2021 Jazz2K Awards"
Nippertown Magazine
"Highly Recommended
New Jazz CDs for 2021"
WDET - Detroit, Michigan
(Ed Love)
"Editor's Choice -
Four Stars"
Jazzwise Magazine
"Album of the Week"
Marlbank Jazz
"Veteran Bay Area trio Charged Particles, with Tod Dickow mightily added on tenor saxophone, present eight Michael Brecker originals, and one from Don Grolnick."
"Smoking and intense from beginning to end, they’ve all internalized Mike and his music to an impressive degree of accuracy and moreover: feeling!"
"I found myself pinching my arm to remind myself that Mike is sadly no longer with us. You find yourself jumping into Mike’s mindset listening to this CD, and transported to another time. Take the journey and check out this live recording."
"Everyone is at the top of their Mike game!"
--Randy Brecker
"Smoking and intense from beginning to end, they’ve all internalized Mike and his music to an impressive degree of accuracy and moreover: feeling!"
"I found myself pinching my arm to remind myself that Mike is sadly no longer with us. You find yourself jumping into Mike’s mindset listening to this CD, and transported to another time. Take the journey and check out this live recording."
"Everyone is at the top of their Mike game!"
--Randy Brecker
“Staggering in its authenticity … the sheer force of Tod Dickow’s lines lift the entire band, while his passionate intensity and Breckerian authority immediately command our attention. Truly, he is a talent worthy of wider recognition.”
Bill Milkowski, author of “Ode to a Tenor Titan”,
the biography of Michael Brecker
“As the album’s featured soloist, Dickow bears a clear Brecker influence but is no slavish imitator. He produces exciting, satisfying stuff. On “African Skies”, he adds muscle and character to the 12/8 groove, and projects supreme confidence all over “Not Ethiopia”. The album highlight is “The Mean Time”, a peak both for himself and keyboardist Murray Low, who builds mystery and surprise while Dickow goes for aggressive energy and labyrinthine melody.”
Downbeat Magazine
“A tight unit that keeps the band sound exciting and the intensity high throughout. The group has captured every nuance of Brecker's pieces.”
Jazz Podium
“Tod Dickow has captured the magic and brilliance of Brecker and saturates the group with power and purpose. All three rhythm section members bring excitement and creativity to the bandstand. This is a joyful listen, full of spark and spunk, but also incorporating the creativity and integrity of these four master musicians.”
LA Jazz Scene
"Really dynamic and ambitious. Tod Dickow proves a revelation here."
Jazzwise Magazine
"A remarkable album."
All About Jazz
All About Jazz
"A rare case of a tribute win. You are in safe hands from the very first beat of this live recording. Tod Dickow is clearly up to the task. He does the incredible inspirational sound of Brecker justice because there is a spirit and energy to what he and his bandmates provide and great musicianship to boot.”
Marlbank Jazz
“Tod Dickow is one of the best saxophonists in the world.”
Jazz Life Magazine
“Dickow proves to be a master at feeling Brecker's sound. Classic Brecker pieces, teeming with technical difficulties, are mastered by Dickow with a nonchalance that is indeed second to none. A powerhouse band.”
Jazzthetik Magazine
“Dickow is influenced just enough by Brecker to fit perfectly into this tribute. The trio that comprises Charged Particles often think as one while pushing each other. Exciting music.”
L.A. Jazz Scene
“Successful and fascinating ... You feel the band's dedication and intense preparation. It sizzles and pulsates.”
JazzThing Magazine
“This is a highly energetic date, enjoyable both on its own merits and for the opportunity for listeners to revisit Michael Brecker’s glorious catalog.”
Glide Magazine
"Energy driven and exciting."
Musical Memoirs
“Modern grooves and sizzling post bop as the Brecker torch burned brightly. Dickow’s tenor is intense.”
Jazz Weekly
"A welcome tribute. Dickow's performances shine amidst wonderful chemistry between the group's members.”
Marlbank Jazz
"Vibrantly alive, mesmerizingly authentic, and joyful.”
Exclusive Magazine
"Very intense.”
Jazzism Magazine
“It's just brilliant. They captured the spirit of Michael without question. Aaron laying down some tight grooves. Murray always great, in any setting. Jon's drumming described in the liner notes as "simmering" - I can't say it any better than that. And Tod's tenor playing respectfully honors Mr. Brecker's compositions. Just an outstanding job by all, super tight, beautifully done. Bravo!”
The Creative Source
“Dickow and the band dig into the tunes with gusto. All four musicians revel in the music, supporting and clearly enjoying one another. Dickow is all over the horn in fine form. Outstanding playing – enticing, enjoyable contemporary jazz.”
Something else!
"Charged Particles captures Brecker's freewheeling spirit. Dickow steals the show, with the band happily playing support."
The Big Takeover
Score: 90 out of 100
"An electrifying performance, with Dickow delivering a riveting take of Brecker's intensity."
O's Place Jazz Newsletter
"Part exhilarating, part challenging."
Columbia Daily Tribune
“I'm sure the late Michael Brecker would have approved of this excellent tribute.”
Tony Hillier, Planet Jazz 89.1
“Love this!!!”
Max Ramirez, WICR, Indianapolis, IN
Marlbank Jazz
“Tod Dickow is one of the best saxophonists in the world.”
Jazz Life Magazine
“Dickow proves to be a master at feeling Brecker's sound. Classic Brecker pieces, teeming with technical difficulties, are mastered by Dickow with a nonchalance that is indeed second to none. A powerhouse band.”
Jazzthetik Magazine
“Dickow is influenced just enough by Brecker to fit perfectly into this tribute. The trio that comprises Charged Particles often think as one while pushing each other. Exciting music.”
L.A. Jazz Scene
“Successful and fascinating ... You feel the band's dedication and intense preparation. It sizzles and pulsates.”
JazzThing Magazine
“This is a highly energetic date, enjoyable both on its own merits and for the opportunity for listeners to revisit Michael Brecker’s glorious catalog.”
Glide Magazine
"Energy driven and exciting."
Musical Memoirs
“Modern grooves and sizzling post bop as the Brecker torch burned brightly. Dickow’s tenor is intense.”
Jazz Weekly
"A welcome tribute. Dickow's performances shine amidst wonderful chemistry between the group's members.”
Marlbank Jazz
"Vibrantly alive, mesmerizingly authentic, and joyful.”
Exclusive Magazine
"Very intense.”
Jazzism Magazine
“It's just brilliant. They captured the spirit of Michael without question. Aaron laying down some tight grooves. Murray always great, in any setting. Jon's drumming described in the liner notes as "simmering" - I can't say it any better than that. And Tod's tenor playing respectfully honors Mr. Brecker's compositions. Just an outstanding job by all, super tight, beautifully done. Bravo!”
The Creative Source
“Dickow and the band dig into the tunes with gusto. All four musicians revel in the music, supporting and clearly enjoying one another. Dickow is all over the horn in fine form. Outstanding playing – enticing, enjoyable contemporary jazz.”
Something else!
"Charged Particles captures Brecker's freewheeling spirit. Dickow steals the show, with the band happily playing support."
The Big Takeover
Score: 90 out of 100
"An electrifying performance, with Dickow delivering a riveting take of Brecker's intensity."
O's Place Jazz Newsletter
"Part exhilarating, part challenging."
Columbia Daily Tribune
“I'm sure the late Michael Brecker would have approved of this excellent tribute.”
Tony Hillier, Planet Jazz 89.1
“Love this!!!”
Max Ramirez, WICR, Indianapolis, IN
Radio Interview
Tod Dickow and Jon Krosnick
Interviewed on KCSM
Oct 9, 2021
Radio Airplay
Radio Stations
Playing the CD
|
KPOO, San Francisco, CA
KDNK, Carbondale, CO KOTO, Telluride, CO KCCK, Cedar Rapids, IA WMCB/WXOJ, Greenfield, MA KFAI, Minneapolis, MN KDHX, St. Louis, MO WRIR, Richmond, VA KPFA, Berkeley, CA KTUH, Honolulu, HI KRVS, Lafayette, LA WVIA, Pittston, PA KEUL, Girdwood, AK KHNS, Haines, AK KSDS, San Diego, CA KRFC, Fort Collins, CO KVNF, Paonia, CO WVU, Newark, DE WW, New Orleans, LA WOW, Takoma Park - Wash. DC, MD WNM, Traverse City, MI KBEM, Minneapolis, MN WJSU, Jackson, MS WGX, Hudson, NY WCP, Cleveland, OH WTJU, Charlottesville, VA WGD, Plainfield, VT CFRO, North Vancouver, BC CJUM, Winnipeg, MB TCILU, Thunder Bay, ON KUSF In Exile (KXSF), San Francisco, CA KABF, Little Rock, AR KCSB, Santa Barbara, CA KCSM, San Mateo - San Francisco, CA KFCF, Fresno, CA KKUP, San Jose, CA KUVO, Denver, CO WEC, Willimantic, CT WWUH, Hartford, CT WXCI, Danbury, CT KRBX, Boise, ID WCSF, Joliet, IL WFIU, Bloomington, IN WICR, Indianapolis, IN KANU, Lawrence - Kansas City, KS WFWM, Frostburg, MD WMPG, Portland, ME WBLV, Twin Lake, MI WGVU, Grand Rapids, MI KIOS, Omaha, NE WPRB, Princeton, NJ WOOC, Schenectady, NY WVCR, Clifton Park, NY WRUW, Cleveland, OH WXTS, Toledo, OH KUSD, Vermillion, SD KSYM, San Antonio, TX KZMU, Moab, UT WWPV, Burlington, VT KAOS, Olympia, WA KEWU, Cheney - Spokane, WA WJAB, Normal, AL KBUT, Crested Butte, CO KDUR, Durango, CO WDCB, Chicago - Glen Ellyn, IL WNCU, Raleigh - Durham, NC WRTI, Philadelphia, PA KNTU, Denton - Dallas, TX WSUM, Madison, WI KMXT, Kodiak, AK WUWF, Pensacola, FL KWIT, Sioux, City, IA KOJI, Spirit, Lake, IA KISU, Pocatello, ID WKYU, Bowling, Green WKPB, Henderson, KY WKUE, Elizabethtown, KY WDCL, Somerset, KY WYPR, Baltimore, MD WYPF, Frederick, MD WYPO, Ocean City, MD WBQA, Portland, ME WBQF, Fryeburg, ME WBQE, Bangor, ME KKTR, Kirksville, MO KAUD, Mexico, MO WNCU, Durham, NC KCND, Bismarck, ND KUND, Grand Forks, ND KDSU, Fargo, ND KPPD, Devils Lake, ND KPPW, Williston, ND KDPR, Dickinson, ND KMPR, Minot, ND KPRJ, Jamestown, ND KNCJ, Reno, NV WAMC, Albany/Schenectady, NY WANC, Ticonderoga, NY WAMK, Kingston, NY WCAN, Canajoharie, NY WCEL, Plattsburgh, NY WAMC, Albany, NY WRUN, Remsen, NY WAMQ, Great Barrington, MA WOSR, Middletown, NY WNYE, New York City, NY WCPN, Cleveland, OH KCCU, Lawton, OK KLCU, Ardmore, OK KZCU, Woodward, OK KYCU, Clinton, OK KOCU, Altus, OK KMCU, Wichita Falls, TX KPCA, Petaluma, CA WVRU, Radford, VA WJAB, Huntsville, AL KUAZ, Tucson, AZ KUAZ, Safford, AZ WDNA, Miami, FL WQCS, Fort Pierce, FL WUWF, Pensacola, FL KIBX, Bonner’s Ferry, ID WUSF, Tampa, FL WMSE, Milwaukee, WI WCLK, Atlanta, GA WDIY, Bethlehem, PA KRTU, San Antonio, TX KWMR, Point Reyes Station, CA WDET, Detroit, MI |
KCCK, Cedar Rapids, IA
KALA, Davenport, IA WKYU, Bowling Green, KY WDCL, Somerset, KY WKPB, Henderson, KY WKUE, Elizabethtown, KY WBRH, Baton Rouge, LA WIAA, Interlochen, MI WICV, East Jordan, MI WIAB, Mackinaw City, MI KEMC, Billings, MT KPRQ, Sheridan, WY KBMC, Bozeman, MT KYPB, Big Timber, MT KYPM, Livingston, MT KYPW, Wolf Point, MT KYPC, Colstrip, MT KYPF, Standford / Lewiston, ID KYPH, Helena, MT KYPR, Miles City, MT KECC, Miles City, MT KIOS, Omaha, NE WQLN, Erie, PA WSCI, Charleston, SC WEPR, Greenville/Spartanburg, SC WLTR, Columbia/Sumter, SC WRJA, Sumter, SC WNSC, Rock Hill/Charlotte, NC WLJK, Aiken/Augusta, GA WJWJ, Beaufort, SC WHMC, Conway/Myrtle Beach, SC WMOT, Murfreesboro, TN KAMU, College Station, TX KTRL, Stephenville, TX KWBU, Waco, TX KEDT, Corpus Christi, TX KVRT, Victoria, TX KPBX, Spokane, WA WOJB, Hayward, WI KIPL, Kauaʻi, HI KHPR, Kauaʻi, HI K269GD, Kauaʻi, HI KIPO, Kauaʻi, HI KHPR, Oʻahu, HI K203EL, Oʻahu, HI KIPO, Oʻahu, HI K264BL, Oʻahu, HI KKUA, Lānaʻi, HI KJHF, Lānaʻi, HI KIPM, Lānaʻi, HI KKUA, Molokaʻi, HI KJHF, Molokaʻi, HI KIPM, Molokaʻi, HI KKUA, Maui, HI KJHF, Maui, HI KIPH, Maui, HI KIPM, Maui, HI KHPH, Island of Hawaiʻi, HI K235CN, Island of Hawaiʻi, HI KANO, Island of Hawaiʻi, HI K239BV, Island of Hawaiʻi, HI K282BO, Island of Hawaiʻi, HI KAHU, Island of Hawaiʻi, HI WRAQ, Angelica, NY WHPW, Harpswell, MN KBOG, Bandon, OR KCHW, Chewelah, WA KFZR, Frazier, Park, CA KIEZ, Monroe, LA KJZX-LP, Austin, TX KPDO, Pescadero, CA KQRU, Santa Clarita, CA Kutztown University Radio, Kutztown, PA Nashville Revolution Radio, Nashville, TN WGHC, Chicago, IL WIUP, Indiana, PA WMUU, Madison, WI WNPA, Canton, OH WNUZ, Gap, PA WRAQ, Angelica, NY KZUM, Lincoln, NE WUNH, Portsmouth, NH WXDR, New Orleans, LA WYAP, Clay, WV GCR Ch. III, Geneva, NY WKAR, East Lansing, MI WVBI, Beaver Island, MI WNMC, Traverse City, MI WADR, Janesville, WI KHNS, Haines, AK WYAP, Clay, WV WEJP, Wheeling, WV WMOT, Nashville, TN WOUB, Athens, OH KHOI, Ames, IA KZGM, Cabool, MO WMVY, West Tisbury, MA KCEI, Taos, NM KJZX, Austin, TX KRZA, Alamosa, CO KKRN, Round Mountain, CA KPNG, Chandler-Phoenix, AZ KAWC / KOFA, Yuma, Parker, Prescott, Kingman, Williams, Flagstaff, AZ CJUM, Winnipeg Manitoba, Canada Jazz After Hours, Los Gatos, CA Jazz Happening Now, Los Gatos, CA Soul and Jazz, Gilroy, CA WGBH Internet, Boston, MA Sun-Music.net, Boston, MA Jazz FM, London, England, UK Planet Jazz 89.1, Queensland, Australia, Australia Gallery 41, Berkeley, CA TAINT Internet Radio, Raleigh, NC WODU Studios, Norfolk, VA NoCo.FM, Fort Collins, CO The Window (Internet) Philly Jersey KEWL 98 RadioPhoenix.org BluLite.webs.com Radio586.net FullMoonHacksaw.com/Radio586.net Soul Legends Radio FreeFall w/ David Bassin |
Press Coverage
and Reviews
Jazz Podium Review in English
Even during the lifetime of the saxophonist, who died in 2007 at the age of 57, the army of Michael Brecker clones disregarded the fact that from the seventies on, Brecker had certainly shaped the ideal sound on the tenor saxophone like no one else. But this sound was based, above all, on a unique gift for phrasing and tone coloring, as well as embedding them in creative compositions.
Precisely these qualities are the focus of this tribute record by the Bay Area-based trio Charged Particles with tenor saxophonist Tod Dickow. Their first experiments began in 2015, and this live recording was made in March 2019.
Brecker's records were always band records. The stars of jazz came to him in droves.
Jon Krosnick (drums), Murray Low (piano, organ, synthesizer), and Aaron Germain (electric and acoustic bass) are also a tight unit that keeps the band sound exciting and the intensity high throughout the almost 73 minutes, especially due to smooth shifting between acoustic and electric instruments.
With Dickow, Krosnick & Co. have a soloist at the fore who understands that Brecker was not interested in a technical exhibition. And as close as Dickow is to the original, he's not a clone. The notes are naturally playable, but Dickow, like Brecker, is concerned with HOW to wind and color them. And the group has captured every nuance of Brecker’s pieces in their performances.
Brecker never took the easy path. Despite the catchy character of "Not Ethiopia" and "Song for Barry", for example, his compositions take sidetracks and deviations and turn right when the music wants to go left. They include shifts and shapes that are always surprising. And this group embraces these complex structures, making the case that the originals are worthy of revisiting.
Precisely these qualities are the focus of this tribute record by the Bay Area-based trio Charged Particles with tenor saxophonist Tod Dickow. Their first experiments began in 2015, and this live recording was made in March 2019.
Brecker's records were always band records. The stars of jazz came to him in droves.
Jon Krosnick (drums), Murray Low (piano, organ, synthesizer), and Aaron Germain (electric and acoustic bass) are also a tight unit that keeps the band sound exciting and the intensity high throughout the almost 73 minutes, especially due to smooth shifting between acoustic and electric instruments.
With Dickow, Krosnick & Co. have a soloist at the fore who understands that Brecker was not interested in a technical exhibition. And as close as Dickow is to the original, he's not a clone. The notes are naturally playable, but Dickow, like Brecker, is concerned with HOW to wind and color them. And the group has captured every nuance of Brecker’s pieces in their performances.
Brecker never took the easy path. Despite the catchy character of "Not Ethiopia" and "Song for Barry", for example, his compositions take sidetracks and deviations and turn right when the music wants to go left. They include shifts and shapes that are always surprising. And this group embraces these complex structures, making the case that the originals are worthy of revisiting.
Jazz Life Review in English
Charged Particles, a trio led by Jon Krosnick, has been tackling challenging contemporary jazz compositions in San Francisco for 10 years. Tod Dickow is one of the best saxophonists in the world. The quartet plays selections from Michael Brecker's solo albums. This is a tribute album. Randy Brecker endorsed the album, saying, "It's like Michael is still alive.” Peter Erskine praised the recording as well. This is not mere imitation of Brecker, of course, but a re-evaluation of the giant's skills as a composer, approached from a modern perspective.
Takehiko Tokiwa
Takehiko Tokiwa
Jazzism Review in English
Eight compositions by the late Michael Brecker, played by the trio Charged Particles with tenor saxophonist Tod Dickow. Don't be fooled: The Baked Potato is a real jazz club, which was founded in 1970 and hosts many fusion groups. The group features pianist Murray Low behind the keyboard, bassist Aaron Germain and drummer Jon Krosnick—and another guest, conga player Omar Ledezma. Tod Dickow has the leading role, of course, a seasoned tenor saxophonist from San Francisco, who received the blessing of Michael Brecker's descendants before this venture. Brother Randy is delighted with the recordings (smoking and intense from beginning to end) and widow Susan Brecker also fully supports it, also because part of the proceeds go to a foundation for MDS research, the disease from which her husband succumbed. Very intense: Arc Of The Penduluum.
Jazzthetik Review in English
The trio Charged Particles, consisting of drummer Jon Krosnick, pianist Murray Low, and bassist Aaron Germain, has joined forces with tenor saxophonist Tod Dickow to pay tribute to the music of his legendary late colleague Michael Brecker. The recording was not supposed to be released, but when longtime Brecker collaborator, drummer Peter Erskine, heard it, he recommended that it be done urgently. Good thing, because Dickow proves to be a master at feeling Brecker's sound without slavishly repeating his licks and solos. Classic Brecker pieces like the challenging "Peep", the power-packed "Arc of the Pendulum", or the "The Mean Time", teeming with technical difficulties and from Brecker's last album, Pilgrimage, are mastered by Dickow with a nonchalance that is indeed second to none. But the band should also be singled out: Keyboardist Low switches from piano or organ to sampled sounds and various synthesizers without a second thought in order to do justice to Brecker's diverse world of sound, and Germain also switches from upright bass to electric bass every now and then. Drummer Krosnick is a tireless driver of this powerhouse band, and Live at The Baked Potato! is a reminder of a musician who conquered new musical worlds in his own unique style.
Rolf Thomas
Rolf Thomas
JazzThing Review in English
Jumping on the running board of great names seems to be a booming business, as the number of posthumous tributes is growing. However, those who want to build a sound monument to the tenor saxophonist Michael Brecker, who died in 2007, face a challenge. First, because his technique is only slowly beginning to establish itself alongside the Coltrane and Rollins schools. And secondly, because Brecker's compositions are not necessarily well-known and demand a lot from the musicians. The piano trio Charged Particles, led by drummer Jon Krosnick, nevertheless took up the challenge, especially because in Tod Dickow, they found a tenor saxophonist who was one of the first to integrate Michael Brecker's techniques into his playing without sounding like his clone. This is another reason why the recordings from the small club The Baked Potato in Los Angeles is a successful and fascinating restoration of Brecker jewels like "Peep", "Arc of the Pendulum" or "The Mean Time". It's never the showcase of a saxophonist. Here, the whole band works. You can feel their dedication and intense preparation. It sizzles and pulsates. For this tribute, one could even demand payment of entertainment tax.
