My review of the 2010 NEA Jazz Masters ceremony and concert is now up on the web. This was a heartening evening, obviously. And coming on the heels of a big week -- via the APAP conference, which had an official jazz emphasis this year (and of course, gave rise to the Winter JazzFest) -- it created the fleeting sensation of Global Jazz Domination. Or something to that effect. It felt good, anyway.
NPR had a live stream of the event on its website, and I believe there’ll be an archive link soon. Meanwhile, WBGO has posted illuminative interviews with all of this year’s honorees: George Avakian, Yusef Lateef, Bill Holman, Annie Ross, Muhal Richard Abrams, Cedar Walton, Bobby Hutcherson (above) and Kenny Barron. (I thought I’d list them by seniority. Did I get the math right?)
Among the takeaways from last night, one that didn’t fit into my review was just how pithy jazz folk continue to be. (How prolix they can be is another story.) I leave you with a few choice quotes:
- “We’re nervous.” -- Wynton Marsalis, speaking for the JALC Orchestra, moments before playing a Muhal Richard Abrams composition
- “People called it cool jazz. I don’t know about cool; every time I played it I was panic-stricken.” -- Bill Holman, recalling the 1950s
- “That’s how I knew Eric Dolphy, was as my sister’s boyfriend.” -- Bobby Hutcherson (quote followed by pregnant pause, eye roll)
- “Aw, c’mon, a woman. Here we go.” -- Lady sitting next to me, about two hours in, as Annie Ross walks onstage
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