SAXOPHONIST Cedric 'Im' Brooks has been removed from life support at the Bronx Labanon Hospital in New York where he was admitted last week Thursday.

Brooks, who lives alone in the Bronx, was rushed to that facility where he was diagnosed as suffering from complications following a mild heart attack.

"He has high blood pressure and perhaps he wasn't following his prescription as he should. Luckily, his daughter got concerned after not getting through to him and asked her brother to go check on him ... and then he was found unconscious," Brooks' friend and broadcaster Junior Blake told the Observer.

Blake said that the family was keeping hopeful and has been at the hospital round the clock.

"His kids, mother, sister and well-wishers are hoping for the best. He is still not awake but he has yawned and is showing signs of progress," Blake further explained.

Meanwhile, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Olivia Grange has said that she hopes that the renowned Jamaican saxophonist will recover from the illness that has left him in a coma.

"I have heard the news that Cedric has fallen seriously ill and was admitted to hospital on Monday. I am sincerely hoping that he will pull through," Grange said in a release.

According to the minister, Brooks -- another product of the Alpha Boys School, known for turning out outstanding musicians -- "belonged to that group of musicians who helped to establish Jamaican music locally and internationally".

Cedric 'Im' Brooks is regarded as one of the most innovative saxophone players in all of reggae music. He is known for his solo recordings and as a member of The Mystic Revelation of Rastafari, The Light of Saba, and The Skatalites.

-- Yasmine Peru

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