THE MEASURE OF A MAN

 

An ancient African tribal custom believes a person passes this veil of tears in two stages. The first is the corporal stage, The second stage doesn't occur until the last person who new him has also passed. The custom suggests it is the memory of a man that survives in the material world. However, memory can be ephemeral at best and can fade with time. It is the effect a person has had on the life of others that lives on past the corporal being. In a more concrete sense, it is the spirit of a man that survives the ravages of time.

 

In addition to the effect Mike''s personal life has had on others, his aid to those in similar straits and the lasting experience of those who have had the good fortune to have played music with him, he has left an indelible legacy. It is my belief that the advent of technology has added a third stage to this wonderful custom. We have digitally preserved his musical legacy for the world to experience throughout the mists of time. Mike Brecker's time on earth leaves the world more than a legacy, his spirit lives on. According to the custom, he will never be forgotten. He has achieved immortality.

Hal Galper