Last Tuesday evening was yet another sublime NEA Jazz Masters awards concert at Jazz at Lincoln Centers sumptuous Rose Theatre. The evening commenced with each of the living Masters in the house being introduced at their seats to warm applause as the audience saluted these great artists whove meant so much to the development of jazz music. Members of the 2010 class were introduced separately starting with revealing excerpts from video interviews conducted by writer and former NEA official A.B. Spellman. Several of the 2010 class also performed during the evening.
Muhal Richard Abrams
The first presentation featured 2010 inductee pianist-composer and founder of the AACM Muhal Richard Abrams, conducting the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra through one of his typically knotty and challenging compositions. This in itself was a revelation, given that some misguidedly view the orchestra as a representative of staunch jazz conservativism. They played Muhals music with grace and skill; a later conversation with JALCO alto saxophonist Ted Nash revealed eager enthusiasm for such an opportunity because it afforded the band a chance to really stretch.
Yusef Lateef
Later in the evening another stunning performance was turned in by the duo of 2010 NEAJM Yusef Lateef and his percussionist Adam Rudolph. If there as a deeper, more satisfying sound on flute than Lateefs rich tone then I havent heard it. He worked his way through several manner of flutes, including a couple of haunting end blown instruments - which Lateef also employed for their inherent percussiveness - tenor sax, and traditional western flute while Rudolph tastefully accompanied on frame drum, small flutes, piano, and dijeridoo.
Annie Ross
These were but two in an evening of immense celebration and abundant love for this great art form that was summed up so beautifully by vocalist Annie Ross. After her acceptance speech Ms. Ross sang a piece whose lyrics were a litany of jazz greats that aptly recognized the ancestors.
NEA Jazz Masters are selected annually and along with the recognition each receives a check for $25K through nominees from the general public subsequently selected by a panel of Masters. For further information on the NEA Jazz Masters whove been selected since the 1982 inception of the program (must be living), and how you may nominate some deserving Master who has not yet been selected, visit arts.endow.gov and click on the Lifetime Honors icon. All it takes is a simple one-page letter.
