Last night’s Town Hall tribute to the great Michael Brecker was as moving as expected, but the musical portions were simply out of this world. Widow Susan Brecker requested that there be no saxophones. So trumpeter/brother Randy Brecker played quartet with Joey Calderazzo, James Genus and Tain Watts; Dave Liebman played a mournful solo on wood flute; Pat Metheny played this song on acoustic baritone guitar; and Herbie Hancock played “Chan’s Song” in trio with John Patitucci and Jack DeJohnette. James Taylor appeared via video to thank Brecker, his AA sponsor, for saving his life. Then Herbie Hancock returned to play Fender Rhodes on “Still Crazy After All These Years,” with Paul Simon singing. When they reached the point of Brecker’s unforgettable tenor sax solo, Herbie just played the chords. And like a ghost, the sound of Brecker’s absence filled the hall.
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