The world lost one of it's most inspiring musicians on Sunday February 20, 2005.  

 I am crushed to the core.

It is with immense pride that I called Pam Bricker my friend, and colleague.   We knew each other for only about 9 years from various gigs here & there.   I think our first gig together was with Louie Bellson & Symphony Orchestra...   For about two years, we worked together regularly, often twice a week , mostly in the "Jazz, etc..." format.   As a trio consisting of Pam, guitarist Chuck Underwood & myself,  "Jazz, etc..." would perform a great eclectic blend of genre-defying music.   A set might begin with a beautiful ballad like "How Deep Is the Ocean?", then without hesitation sing a bossa in Portuguese - simultaneously playing the "real deal" percussion.  When the mood was right, Pam would launch into an accapella bebop head like "Anthropology", without a reference note.  Her pitch was perfect.   

She could effortlessly navigate the most linguistically challenging vocalese, and she scatted like nobody's business!   She's the only singer I've ever worked with to tackle - and conquer, Keith Jarrett's "Spiral Dance."   Then she'd say , " Thank you.  That concludes the jazz portion of tonight's performance...." and she'd strap on her guitar.   Who knows where we'd go from there?   Steely Dan?  Radiohead?  Sting?   There were also some great originals she had written (or co-wrote with Chuck) that I loved playing.   We started recording the group, and stopped for no apparent reason part way through the project.   Unfortunately that project, which promised to be a seriously rocking CD, will never be.   

As the state of our economy nosedived in the period following September 11th, the venues where our trio worked together either cut out entertainment, or reduced the money so much that Pam needed to scale back from gigging with a trio and go out with a duo.   Gradually Pam & I worked less together, but remained in contact as friends, and I took over maintaining  her website .  In addition to being friends - I was a fan.   Still am.   

Sadly her last couple of years were filled with turmoil.   It must have been just too much for her to bear, and on February 20th she took her own life.    I still can not believe what has happened.   I loved the time we shared, and am devastated that it'll never happen again on this earth.

Pam, you are the greatest.   

Hey Sarah, Ella, Rosemary, and Billie...... y'all better watch out!  There's a new voice in heaven!