When Brecker finally went solo with his self-titled album in 1986, he revealed amazing depth as a composer and the music he crafted for his own records were mostly a very challenging and creative form of fusion deeply rooted in bop. His solo works were also often the best showcases for some head-shaking saxophone performances; the solo that serves as the introduction to "Syzygy" on his self-titled album is nothing short of astonishing.
Always looking for new challenges, this seven-time Grammy award winner later experimented with blending bluegrass with jazz, leading an organ quartet and putting his own mark on ballads. His third outing Now You See It, Now You Don't is my personal favorite, as he tackled some of his most interesting material on that album.
Tragically, Brecker was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) back in 2005, a form of pre-leukemia. An experimental stem cell operation was unsuccessful and doctors were unable to find a suitable bone marrow donor. Michael was 57 when he died on January 13 from complications of leukemia.
Rest in peace, Alice and Michael. And thanks for some great music.
Article comments
1 - pumbycat
Even if some of his fans tried to find the right donator by sending emails all around the world, he didn't have the chance to survive. I'm so sad today... He made me discover jazz music thanks to his Steps Ahead records. He'll be always in my heart. So long, Mike, you'll be deeply missed...
2 - Stephen V Funk
Like many people, I imagine, I originally dismissed Alice Coltrane as merely “that other (sorta flaky) pianist who played with (and happened to be married to) Trane after the “Classic Quartet” broke up.” I figured that was all I needed to know about her.
Then, on a whim, I checked out “Journey in Satchidananda”. Amazing what happens when you actually listen to the music instead of the “established conventional wisdom.”
R.I.P., Alice…
3 - Tim Jarrett
Thanks for this; I wrote a short tribute as well, but right now I'm hearing Mike's solo on "Still Crazy After All These Years" juxtaposed with the lyrics from Paul Simon's "Night Game" from the same album:
4 - sal m
great stuff....
5 - Pico
I had intended to revisit "Journey in Satchidananda" last night while writing this piece but ran out of time. So, I'm enjoying it now. I think now I'd have to give "Journey" the nod over "Ptah" because Rashied Ali runs laps around Ben Riley on drums and the Indian-type drone of that tamboura is...no other way to put it...groovy. And yet, it's a very listenable album.
6 - Triniman
Brecker used to host a televison variety show back in the late 80s or early 90s. Does anyone remember it?
7 - Mark Saleski
really? hmmm, i only remember the David Sanborn "Night Music" thing.
dang. very sad about Brecker.
8 - Pico
As long as I followed Brecker, I'm still surprised by all the projects he had been involved in. It didn't know about his tv stint, but somehow, that doesn't seem so implausible to me at this point.
There are some more interesting facts about this uniquely talented individual found in this CNN.com obituary.
Thanks for all the comments, everyone.
9 - Ptah the El Daoud
:(
RIP Alice & Michael.