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| Michael Brecker Died  Michael Brecker, one of the most popular jazz saxophonists, died Saturday, January 13, 2007 in a hospital in New York City of leukemia. He was 57. Michael was born March 29, 1949 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He began to learn music very early. Tenor saxophone became his primary instrument. In 1970 he moved to New York City and began to play with his older brother Randy in the jazz-rock group Dreams. After a year with this band he worked with Horace Silver and then form with Randy and Billy Cobham another fusion band - Brecker Brothers Band. This band worked in 1975–1982 very successfully.At the same time Michael collaborated with a lot of jazz and rock musicians - from Herbie Hancock to Paul Simon. His first solo album, "Michael Brecker", was released in 1987. In his solo works he return to a more mainstream, but very successful jazz. Throughout his career Michael won 11 Grammys. His "Wide Angles" won two Grammys in 2004. He was diagnosed with the blood disorder myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) in 2005. He struggled with his illness very hard. Brecker played with Herbie Hancock at Carnegie Hall in June 2006. He worked with bassist Chris Minh Doky on his project The Nomad Diaries, released November 2006. His own final album, yet untitled, was completed just two weeks ago. His technique on the saxophone was brilliant, his role in modern jazz was very important, his legacy will be discussing throughout the all jazz world. write your comments about the article :: © 2007 Jazz News :: home page |