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.

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 (tracks 2, 5)

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