We have a new word to add to our collective lexicon: ‘stimulus package’. The financial service sector got one, then the auto makers. Other industries are lining up for their slice of our pie in a time of almost unprecedented economic turmoil. Well, the next idea is obvious, isn’t it? What needs economic stimulating more than jazz? Producer Quincy Jones has floated the idea of asking President Obama to create a cabinet level Secretary of the Arts position. That’s fine but let’s back up that with some cash! And we can bet that the jazz community will be happy with a lot less - let’s say a measly $10 billion. Extrapolating from a 2001 National Endowment for the Arts Study, let’s say there are 100,000 jazz musicians nationwide; that translates into $100,000 per person. We know that could help.
But until that package gets approved by Congress, we’ll soldier on as we have, underappreciated and underfunded, for decades. Take it from guys like Phil Woods (On The Cover, at Dizzy’s Club this month), Odean Pope (Interview, at Blue Note with his Saxophone Choir) and Herb Robertson (Artist Profile, appearing at venues across town). And let’s hope the economic slowdown doesn’t affect the work of Japanese imprint Venus (Label Profile) or Alphabet City venue Nublu (Club Profile).
Disposable income is down and people can barely afford the shirts they’ll probably lose tomorrow. But in times like this, take some solace in culture and support a jazz musician. They’ve been in a recession for decades and have kept going regardless. Peruse our CD reviews and buy some music or take a gander at our Event Calendar and plan some outings this month; hey, take advantage of someone’s else’s heating bill, why don’t you?
Spring is coming soon and hopefully things will look up. Until then, fill up on a bountiful and renewable resource: jazz.
We’ll be in line with you...We’ll see you out there...
For more information contact All About Jazz.
