"The Nearness of You" Concert (February 6 at Jazz at Lincoln Center's The Appel Room) features Christopher Cross, Elvis Costello, Diana Krall, Dianne Reeves, Branford Marsalis, Randy Brecker, Will Lee, Steve Gadd and other special guests. The annual event is in honor of 15-time Grammy winner Michael Brecker. This is also a fundraiser for cancer research and the work of Drs. Azra Raza and Siddhartha Mukherjee at the Columbia University Medical Center.
Michael Brecker died in 2007 at the age of 57 but his legacy lives on through his music and those who loved him.
WBGO's "Daybreak" Gary Walker, a long-time friend of Michael Brecker spoke with Michael's wife Susan Brecker about the fourth annual benefit concert. (Full radio interview above)
Brecker says the star-studded event is a constant reminder to all of us that cancer is real and we need to battle it every day.
"I use this concert as an opportunity to let people know that you can always remember that bad things happen to people and cancer is one of them. You can support cancer research and make sure your friends are aware of cancer and the research going on, so not only is it not a surprise for you, but you feel like you've been part of the answer and the solution. I feel so fortunate and grateful that I have the opportunity to supports doctors like Dr. Raza and Dr. Mukherjee and their efforts to find an end to cancer."
Susan Brecker says her late husband was an incredible musician, husband and father.
"He was a very powerful and intense player and a very humble and sweet man. People were very drawn to Mike because he made you feel like the most important person in his life when he was with you. I was fortunate enough to be that person for a long time."
You can SEE the entire interview here.
