Sat, Oct 19
7:30pm; doors 6:30 pm // $37.40
SJZ Break Room

Charged Particles with saxophonist Tod Dickow, will join forces with Randy Brecker for a tribute to the late, great American saxophonist and Randy’s brother, Michael Brecker.

The Brecker Brothers occupy their own special place in jazz history; Michael and Randy Brecker, from Pennsylvania, frequently played together, in their own band, and as session musicians. With Michael on sax, flute and EWI (electronic wind instrument, a rare but cool invention) and Randy playing flute and flugelhorn, they became a formidable talent in their collaborations and solo projects. Randy was one of the original members of the band Blood, Sweat, and Tears. The brothers worked with legends as diverse as Todd Rundgren, Parliament, Quincy Jones and Frank Zappa, releasing a total of thirteen delicious funk fusion albums in all. Sadly, Michael passed away from leukemia in 2007.

Michael left such a deep impression on both his big brother Randy and his colleagues, that loving musical tributes to him have flowed since 2008. SJZ is pleased to host the latest iteration of the tribute show with Bay Area fusion trio Charged Particles. Keyboardist Murray Low, bassist Aaron Germain and drummer Jon Krosnick, serve up a brew of all the good stuff fusion fans love —funk, Latin, a dash of classical, balanced within a compositional stock, with an improvisational finish. For this effort, they have teamed up with saxophone wizard Tod Dickow and the inimitable Randy Brecker himself.

“I found myself pinching my arm to remind myself that Mike is sadly no longer with us,” said Randy of the live show that was recorded to create the acclaimed album Live At The Baked Potato. The album, and the successive live performances, showcase Mike’s compositional talent, transporting the listener back in time. 

Lucky for us, the ensemble will include The SJZ Break Room on its roster after a coast-to-coast tour. Dickow’s beautiful playing relies on him listening to his bandmates rather than showboating. Keyboardist Murray Low may look like he isn’t listening, but his sound says otherwise. Germain’s tight bass groove shines solo and adapts to anything needed by the song, and drummer Jon Krosnick has that irresistible mix of accessible beats and an unpredictable quality that we love in jazz drumming. And Randy Brecker stands out for his gorgeous, luminous and emotional trumpeting, evoking everything from jubilation to pain and regret.

Audience members will definitely regret missing this show, which, in the end, honors the life and jazz spirit of the legendary Michael Brecker. Universally lauded by critics, applauded by colleagues, and played expertly by the ensemble, this show proves that some bonds last through space and time.