Michael Brecker

MICHAEL BRECKER 1949– 2007

 

I was saddened to hear of Michael Brecker’s death from leukaemia earlier in January.  He was of course a major figure in jazz and his voice on saxophone was probably the most significant since John Coltrane.

 I am delighted that we were able to present him in Birmingham on three occasions.  The first two featured Michael in other leaders’ bands, with the Don Grolnick Band and then with Don Alias and Friends.  On both occasions his elder brother Randy was also in the band.  These were at the Adrian Boult Hall and on the first visit Michael also gave a fascinating workshop partnered by fellow saxophonist Marty Ehrlich.  The third and final visit saw Michael leading his Large Ensemble with Gil Goldstein and a number of British players.  That played Symphony Hall as part of a UK CMN tour.

 I also had the privilege to act as tour manager for the Don Alias tour so was out on the road with Michael.  He was a very private person, but at all times charming to be with and stimulating company.  And it was fascinating to hear him play on the road on 7 consecutive gigs; he was extremely creative each night and in no way did he slip into the same solo on each tune.

 I was amused by his reaction to a fan waiting after one of those concerts.  The fan asked what it had been like to ‘play with Frank’.  Michael immediately asked ‘Sinatra or Zappa?’.  He had played with both.  The fan was interested in Zappa and Michael said that it had been a great experience to play with him.  Later that night he confessed to me that in fact he had not enjoyed the experience of playing in the Zappa band at all!         

 Tony Dudley-Evans