"My One and Only Love" is a classic Great American Songbook ballad composed by Guy Wood, performed on Michael Brecker's 1987 self-titled debut for Impulse! Records. This intimate duo-like treatment features Brecker on tenor saxophone and Pat Metheny on electric guitar, each delivering a full chorus over the standard 32-bar AABA form in C major. Brecker's opening chorus is a masterpiece of ballad interpretation, his enormous sound reduced to a whisper as he caresses the melody with subtle inflections and gorgeous tonal shadings. Metheny's chorus, taken at an even slower tempo, demonstrates his singular ability to create beauty through simplicity, each note placed with exquisite care. The performance strips away the complexity and technical virtuosity heard elsewhere on the album, revealing both musicians as profoundly lyrical artists rooted in the tradition of great jazz balladry. Charlie Haden and Jack DeJohnette provide the most delicate of accompaniments, creating an atmosphere of hushed intimacy. This recording has become one of the most beloved performances in both Brecker's and Metheny's extensive discographies, a testament to the power of restraint and melodic beauty.
