The MICHAEL BRECKER MEMORIAL was held at Town Hall in New York City on Tuesday, February 20th. Below are scans of the program that was handed out (thanks to Russ Paladino for providing this). Click on one of the images below to see a larger version.

Here are some comments from a couple of the attendees:

     "I went to the Michael Brecker Tribute last night and all I can say was it was a beautiful, spiritual and uplifting experience. All of the speakers were so eloquent, but maybe none so much as Sam, Michael's son. What a composed, intelligent kid he is! He talked about Michael, the Dad, which gave everyone a real glimpse into the human side of this man we equate to a God.
     There was laughter, and tears and great live music, and it seemed somehow like Michael spirit was there very strongly. The audience was packed with Jazz Royalty...Wayne Shorter Kenny Baron, Mike Stern, James Carter, Hiram Bullock, Will Lee, David Sanborn, Eddie Palmieri to name just a few.
     I brought a camera with me, but honestly the event was kind of like a wake and it felt inappropriate to snap pictures during the eulogies. After the show people were reminiscing and the artists didn't seem to want to play the artist fan game. We all just were sharing our mutual love for Michael. There were video people and photographers there so maybe they plan to post some of the eulogies on the website?" - Russ Paladino
"It was a memorial fitting to all of Mike's distinguished accomplishments on the stage and off. Here's a brief rundown:

     Darryl Pitt (Mikes Manager) talked about Mike. Randy came out and played a tune with James Genus on bass, Joey Calderazzo on piano and Jeff 'Tain' Watts on drums...then Randy spoke about Mike. Next up was Sam Brecker, Mikes' 13 year old son, who is an astounding speaker for someone that young. Then old friend Dave Liebman talked about Mike and played a very pretty tune on the flute. Next was Pat Metheny who played a nice tune on the acoustic guitar and then spoke about Mike. Herbie Hancock spoke next about Mike then played a tune with John Patitucci (bass) and Jack DeJohnette (drums). Then James Taylor made a video appearance from California to speak about Mike. James credited Mike with 'saving his life'. I believe it.
     Next up was a very moving video tribute about Mike's career from early on through present day. Then Susan Brecker took the stage and moved everyone to tears telling us some personal stuff about Mike, in the home... and regarding the kids... family stuff... What a neat lady she is, she was truly blessed to have married Mike and produced two beautiful children. They are truly Mike's most personal legacy. Paul Simon closed out the musical part of the memorial singing 'Still Crazy After All These Years' then spoke about Mike.
     Sam Brecker and Herbie Hancock plus friends did some Buddist chanting for about three minutes. Sam and Jessica Brecker closed out the memorial thanking everyone from the bottom of their hearts for coming to remember their dad." - Sandy Brown

Music selection:

1) Midnight Voyage from "Tales From The Hudson"- (Randy came out and played a tune with James Genus on bass, Joey Calderazzo on piano and Jeff 'Tain' Watts on drums)

2) Gathering Of Spirits from "Saxophone Summit - Gathering Of Spirits" (Then old friend Dave Liebman talked about Mike and played a very pretty tune on the flute.)

3) Every Day I Thank You – From Pat Metheny 80/81 - Pat Metheny said he wrote this song specifically for Michael (Next was Pat Metheny who played a nice tune on the acoustic guitar)

4) Chan's Song from "The Nearness of You" - (Herbie Hancock spoke next about Mike then played a tune with John Patitucci (bass) and Jack DeJohnette (drums)

5) Still Crazy After All These Years - (Paul Simon & Herbie Hancock on Fender Rhodes) - Paul Simon told the story of Michael coming to the studio that day to record this classic solo. He sat down and listened to the song 2 or 3 times, then went into the playing room and recorded a spot on perfect solo. He came back and asked Simon if he liked it....Paul Simon laughed and replied, Uh....Yeah, having been blown away. Then Michael asked "do you mind if I take another one?" He laughed and said "sure go ahead." (He didn't say which take was chosen, but that was it...2 takes) He also told us that in all the years and hundreds of times that he's performed that song he's had many other great sax players on tour with him besides Michael, but always...always they would quote Michael's solo first, then take off on their own.

And finally it should be noted that Susan Brecker had only one stipulation about the live performances... there would be no other saxophones played. The only sax we heard on this night was that of Michael Brecker. I though this was a very wise choice. - Russ Paladino