Jazz Great Hugh Brodie Honored at the Falcon

By Jennifer Warren

MARLBORO – In front of The Falcon’s stage stood a large ensemble of colorful, riveting photographs. The special piece was an artistic salute to the man of the evening, Hugh Brodie, a jazz musician genius who had entertained millions over the years with his musical prowess, while capturing their hearts with his soulful, charming, and unforgettable persona.

“Tonight I feel honored to be a part of this celebration of this man’s life and music,” said Nancy Ostrovsky, the artist behind the photography tribute. “This was a special man; he had a radiance and a certain kind of wonderful humbleness about him.” She continued, “I can just feel the love in this room tonight.”

That energy and passion for Brodie as well as the musical genius he created attracted an impressive number of fellow musicians to The Falcon venue Wednesday night, celebrating his life and legacy. The tribute concert was a musical and spoken word homage, to a “legendary maestro.” Once the night kicked off, personal tales of Brodie were unraveled while his musical scores were duplicated, leading to continual applause and appreciation.

“All of the musicians who came out here tonight are doing so for the love of Hugh Brodie,” said Christopher Dean Sullivan, the event’s coordinator. “All of the funds raised here tonight will go to his family.”

Pointing to how impressive the four week time frame of putting the event together was, Sullivan recounted his first meeting with Brodie.

“There was just something about him (Brodie), something so special, when I saw him playing the saxophone with George Benson,” recalled Sullivan, who dubbed Brodie a dear, close friend. “I then met him years later in Sullivan County and played with him many times; there was just something so unexplainable about how he truly owned his original stuff.”

Those scores were diligently recreated Wednesday on The Falcon stage; however, most all would agree, beyond exact duplication. It is for that very reason that Brodie carried a host of endearing namesakes to so many over the years. Whether he be dubbed a father, mentor, sage, creator, searcher, revolutionary, innovator, or soulful spirit, he was dearly respected and loved, and his charming, unforgettable appearance will be sorely missed. However, as many alluded to, he will live on through his music.

“He taught me spirituality, life,” said one of Brodie’s close friends, Joe DiMaggio. “Everything he ever wrote or sung will go on forever.”

Thanks to a committed and laser focused group of people close to Brodie, his memory and profound impact will be felt by still more people of all ages and walks of life. The packed Falcon venue spoke volumes, ensuring that fact.

“This event could not have happened had it not been for the energy and fortitude of all of the artists involved; thank you to Tony Falco and his team of the Falcon for their continuing support of live music as well as the artistic community here in the Mid- Hudson Valley and many other people,” said Sullivan. “We all worked diligently to make this a production as opposed to a jam session to revere the adroitness of Brodie.” Sullivan added, “It also really proves what happens when the music community comes together for a common purpose.”