Everyone at Herbie Hancock’s management and web teams extends their condolences to Michael Brecker’s family. Mr. Brecker passed away today (Saturday, 1/13) in New York.
He was a great musician and friend to many in the worldwide jazz community, and he brought wonderful music and unforgettable moments into many lives.
The following is excerpted from an Associated Press report on Mr. Brecker’s passing:
Brecker died in a hospital in New York City of leukemia, said his longtime friend and manager, Darryl Pitt. In recent years, the saxophonist had struggled with myelodysplastic syndrome, a cancer in which the bone marrow stops producing enough healthy blood cells. The disease, known as MDS, often progresses to leukemia.
Throughout his career, Brecker recorded and performed with numerous jazz and pop music leaders, including Herbie Hancock, James Taylor, Paul Simon and Joni Mitchell, his website said.
His most recently released recording, Wide Angles, appeared on many top jazz lists and won two Grammys in 2004. His technique on the saxophone was widely emulated and his style was much-studied in music schools throughout the world.
Jazziz magazine recently called him “inarguably the most influential tenor stylist of the last 25 years,” said a news release from his family.
Though very sick, Brecker managed to record a final album, as yet untitled, that was completed just two weeks ago. Pitt said the musician was very enthusiastic about the final work. “In addition to the love of his family and friends, his work on this project helped keep him alive and will be another jewel in his legacy,” Pitt said.