Nearness of You: The Ballad Book

Nearness of You: The Ballad Book is the seventh studio album by saxophone player Michael Brecker. Accompanied by Herbie Hancock on piano, Pat Metheny on guitars, Charlie Haden on bass, Jack DeJohnette on drums, and a special guest appearance by James Taylor, the album was released by Verve Records on June 19, 2001.
Brecker was awarded his eighth Grammy for Best Jazz Instrumental Solo on "Chan's Song". Taylor also won his fourth Best Male Pop Vocal Performance Grammy for "Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight". With his win, he became the first American recording artist to garner a win in that category since Michael Bolton in 1992.

Personnel

Musicians

Michael Brecker – tenor saxophone
Herbie Hancock – grand piano
Pat Metheny – guitars
Charlie Haden – bass
Jack DeJohnette – drums
Dave Samuels – additional percussion
James Taylor – vocals

Technical personnel

Pat Metheny – producer
Steve Rodby – co-producer, digital assembly
Richard Seidel – executive producer
James Farber – recording and mixing
Andrew Fellus – assistant engineer
Paul Gregory – assistant engineer
Timmy Olmstead – assistant engineer
Jason Stasium – assistant engineer
Pete Karam – technical assistance
Carolyn Chrzan – technical coordinator
David Oakes – technical coordinator
Tom Sheehan – piano tuning and technician
Greg Calbi – mastering at Sterling Sound, New York City, USA
Stephanie Faraci – project coordinator
Darryl Pitt – project coordinator
David Sholemson – project coordinator
Carrie D'Amelio – release coordinator
Theodora Kuslan – release coordinator
Gil Goldstein – music preparation
Hollis King – art direction
Rebecca Meek – design
Sylvia Otti – cover photography
Michael Piazza – photography
Ken Takewaki – photography

Awards

2001 - 44th Annual GRAMMY Awards

Year	Winner	Title	Category
2001	Michael Brecker	"Chan's Song"	Best Jazz Instrumental Solo
2001	James Taylor	"Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight"	Best Male Pop Vocal Performance