Cedric ‘Im Brooks .. is still with us; and however long he continues to be, his family, friends, alumni and admirers who value him know that his musical and cultural achievements will remain his legacy to us. Vinette Pryce attended his recent award ceremony in New York, and in her article below captured the mood of the event.

ON HISTORIC JUNETEENTH US COMMUNITY CLAMORS TO IM

By Vinette K. Pryce

Cedric Im Brooks smiled and also shed a tear on the day the world celebrated fathers and a historic African-American landmark date. For a majority it was Father’s Day. For many African-Americans, June 19 also marked Juneteenth Day in 1865 when slaves were freed from white captivity in the south of the USA. It is the oldest known celebration commemoration the end of slavery in the USA.

For Jamaica’s Africa-centered tenor saxophonist, it was a day dedicated to Brooks’ musicianship, his lifelong dedication to the African continent and his allegiance to the Ethiopian orthodoxy. Presented with two proclamations which were accepted by his sister Paulette Keise – one from Bronx, New York State Assembly Eric Stevenson, the other from Queens Congressman Gregory W. Meeks, the celebrated musician was regaled with plaudits from long-time friends and associates. A 3,000 year-old, liturgical chant provided blessings from Kes Ephrem, a priest, who used the occasion to dispense fitting ritual representing Brooks’ lifelong faith. Kess Mahijama Selassie of the Most Holy Trinity Ethiopian Orthodox Church in the Bronx also offered his personal perspective on the occasion. Larry McDonald, Afro-Jamaican percussionist who toured with Gil Scott-Heron, Taj Mahal and is now gearing to return to the road with Lee “Scratch” Perry spoke volumes about the colleague he regarded as iconic to the industry.

“I was a student at Jamaica school of Drama when I first met Cedric,” documentarian Michael Bryan said, “I have always wanted to make a film about him. I started three years ago and will have to complete my documentary now.” Jah B said it was a “momentous occasion” that he was present to pay tribute to Brooks. “Cedric is with us, it is appropriate that we have this opportunity to honor him while he is alive. He always spoke highly of Africa and jazz – those two things were his constant focus.” Joy Tulloch was a member of the Light of Saba Band. She also sang with Judy Mowatt. On this occasion she spoke candidly of her role model who she said noticed potential she did not even recognize.

“I knew him since I was a teenager. Cedric loved music, music is his life. He used to call me Desta because in Amharic, it means Joy. I hope he finds peace in the bosom of Abraham.” Actress Andrene Bonner was as dramatic as Brooks knew her to be. Seated at a table amongst friends, Bonner wailed an alerting refrain that perhaps Brooks might have heard three floors up from his bedside position on the fifth floor of Silvercrest Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center. Thespian Bonner chose a Louise Bennett-Coverley popular folk song by rendering “Eeeeevvvveeenin’ Time.” Performed to her unique signature dramatics, Bonner raised the bar by hailing her friend, compatriot and idol with a lively rendition of “Evening Time.” A decade ago, Bonner volunteered services to serve as manager/ publicist/personal assistant and loyal patron of the musician who is revered in proclamation as a pivotal contributor to the evolution of Jamaica’s music. Brooks worked as a studio musician with Clement “Coxsone” Dodd’s Studio One label playing with Jackie Mittoo, Ernest Ranglin, Vin Gordon and Roland Alphanso. He teamed with trumpeter David Madden to form Im & David.

Brooks’ flute/saxophone notes are also key ingredients to recordings by the Vagabonds, Sun Ra Arquestra, The Wailers, Burning Spear and the The Heptones. Many will associate Brooks with The Mystic Revelations of Rastafari and rightly so because with them he recorded memorable hits. In recent years, Brooks toured with The Skatalites. Unlike William Shakespeare Act 3 Scene 2 popular quote from Brutus who said “I come to bury Caesar not to praise him…” friends of Brooks came to praise the 68-year-old veteran whose contribution to Jamaica’s jazz and reggae genre is unrivaled and worthy of commendation. Habte Selassie, host of “Labbrish” a radio show at WBAI-FM emphasized the fact back in Jamaica Brooks “gigged” all Saturday night into Sunday. According to the radio personality, Brooks ignored criticisms of playing his instruments just hours before worshipping at Sunday services. Selassie explained that Brooks did not want to use the excuse he had to work and being tired, unable to attend church. Therefore, Selassie explained he would stay up all night and go to church.

Testimonies almost merited sainthood on the Alpha Boys school achiever. Hospitalized since February of last year, Brooks has had the prayers of friends from across the globe. Basil Hylton called from London, England to register concern and glean information which he said he would promptly post on a web portal dedicated to alums of Alpha Boys School, an institution Brooks proudly represents. Reportedly, Herbie Miller director/archivist at Jamaica Music Museum has expressed an interest in trumpeting an awareness campaign for the ailing talent. Based at the Institute of Jamaica, the JMM is becoming the flagship center for information on unsung Jamaican musicians.