[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 109 (Tuesday, September 14, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1618]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO MR. CECIL BROOKS III

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 14, 2004

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a cultural 
innovator in my district, Mr. Cecil Brooks III. A world renowned jazz 
artist, drummer, band leader, composer, arranger, and record producer, 
Mr. Brooks and his wife Adreena have recently established a jazz club 
in West Orange. Opening in late June 2003, Cecil's is quickly 
establishing a reputation as one of the most prestigious addresses in 
northern New Jersey.
  Mr. Brooks is responsible for bringing internationally acclaimed 
entertainers to our community, including renowned jazz saxophonist Don 
Braden and American comic legend Bill Cosby.
  Mr. Brooks achieved international prominence as a Goodwill 
Ambassador, and is considered one of the most popular and innovative 
figures in the world of modern jazz, as well one of the most prolific 
record producers and band leaders on the scene today. He has been 
credited with numerous recordings which have been ranked in the Top Ten 
of the Gavin National Radio Airplay Chart and has worked for several 
labels including Muse and Highnote/Savant records.
  He has been recognized in the Downbeat Magazine Critic's Poll as 
``Producer Deserving Wider Recognition,'' and has performed on world 
tour with jazz icons such as Houston Person and Etta James, Pharoah 
Sanders, Stanley Turrentine, the Mingus Dynast Big Band, the Dizzy 
Gillespie Reunion Band, and was the drummer for The Bill Cosby Show.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in extending my thanks to my neighbors 
Cecil and Adreena Brooks for their contributions to the civic and 
cultural life of our community, and I invite my colleagues to join me 
in sending our congratulations for their outstanding achievements which 
celebrate jazz, the truly American art form, and have brought such 
positive recognition to the city of West Orange.

                          ____________________