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Susan Brecker Remembers Her Husband, Saxophonist Michael Brecker, on Morning Jazz

Susan Brecker with Gary Walker
Susan Brecker with Gary Walker

A diverse array of artists pay tribute to saxophonist Michael Brecker at The Nearness Of You Concert, in the Appel Room at Jazz at Lincoln Center on Jan. 28.

Brecker’s influence spanned the worlds of jazz, pop and rock, his cutting-edge artistry earning him 15 Grammys and the laser focus of many of today’s students of contemporary music.

He died in 2007 at 57, of complications from myelodysplastic syndrome. His widow, Susan Brecker, paid a recent visit to Morning Jazz to talk about the beliefs that informed his playing, what brought the two of them together, and his life as world-traveling musician and father of two.

The concert will feature, among others, the actor and vocalist Hugh Jackman; soprano Harolyn Blackwell; singers Patti Austin and James Taylor; trumpeter Randy Brecker; guitarist and former MLB All-Star Bernie Williams; saxophonists Chris Potter and Donny McCaslin; and drummer Antonio Sanchez. Proceeds will support cancer research at Columbia University Irving Medical Center.

To purchase tickets, visit this pageat Jazz at Lincoln Center.

In jazz radio, great announcers are distinguished by their ability to convey the spontaneity and passion of the music. Gary Walker is such an announcer, and his enthusiasm for this music greets WBGO listeners every morning. This winner of the 1996 Gavin Magazine Jazz Radio Personality of the Year award has hosted the morning show each weekday from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. And, by his own admission, he's truly having a great time.