Pilgrimage

Pilgrimage is the gorgeous, courageous final coda of tenor saxophonist Michael Brecker. Brecker, a 13-time Grammy-winner, was one of the most influential jazz musicians of the past 25 years. He died on January 13, 2007, after a two-and-a-half year battle with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and leukemia. Pilgrimage was recorded in August of 2006, with Brecker in the company of the contemporary giants of jazz—pianists Brad Mehldau and Herbie Hancock, guitarist Pat Metheny, drummer Jack DeJohnette and bassist John Patitucci. The album is Brecker’s first recording that consists of only his original compositions. As it chronicles his final moments, the album reflects the hope and urgency in fighting to survive, as well as the quiet serenity of saying goodbye. “When Can I Kiss You Again?” arose out of a question from Brecker’s teenage son, during a hospital stay when physical contact was prohibited. The title track, the last track ever recorded by Brecker, oscillates between melancholy and optimism, yet resolves triumphantly. In his life and in passing, Brecker will continue to touch many for years to come.

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