Michael Brecker

originally posted on Facebook Jan 13, 2011, 12:56 PM

Remembering Michael Brecker: I still find it hard to understand that Michael Brecker is no longer among us.His death on this date 1/13/07 makes my heart sink when I reflect on first hearing this news.Anyone that knew him had there own relationship with him.He was always interested in who ever he was in contact with.I enjoyed knowing him and was thrilled always to hear him play.We exchanged thoughts on mouthpieces,reeds,wind synths,etc. often.I would see him on jingle sessions and to sit next to him was heaven.He would make you feel like it was one of the best days of your life being around him.

Michael raised the bar by being an amazing selfless,loving human being and then picking up the saxophone and blowing us all away.He left us with a cry in his sound that when you listen closely reveals a place of peace,a place to reach for and a need for us to let go of any thoughts or attitudes that would hinder our arriving to this higher place.A few years ago I was sharing thoughts about Michael to Andy Snitzer and he added to our conversation that we need to tell the younger players all the stories and experiences so many of us had knowing him.Take a minute today and go to Youtube and remember Michael.