However, after experiencing some mysterious back pain during a concert in 2005, Michael Brecker was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a cancer of the blood marrow. A failed search for a matching bone marrow donor eventually led to an experimental partially matching blood stem cell transplant via his daughter in late 2005. He passed away on January 13, 2007. Brecker's final album, Pilgrimage, featuring pianists Herbie Hancock and Brad Mehldau, guitarist Pat Metheny, bassist John Patitucci, and drummer Jack DeJohnette, was, ironically, his first of all-original material. It was released a few months after his passing.
Michael Brecker - Tumbleweed
from "Pilgrimage" (2007)
Musicians :
Michael Brecker - tenor saxophone, EWI
Pat Metheny - guitars, guitar synth
Brad Mehldau - piano
John Patitucci - double bass
Jack DeJohnette - drums
