Dr. E.J.Calle

Michael was my inspiration and my hero. How lucky one is when we can meet our heroes and eventually call them teachers, friends, and colleagues. Not a day goes bye when I don't think about Michael and thank God for allowing me the privilege to meet and know one of the greatest spirits the earth has ever known. Like COltrane, Bird, Sandoval, and a few others, Michael Brecker was one in a lifetime. Maybe the nicest thing anyone ever said to me was by Randy Brecker when we performed the Brecker Brothers tribute at JEN 2013. Backstage, prior to the show, Randy said, "you are one of the few keeping the flame alive." Never want to imitate Michael but his influence as a person and musician are embedded forever.