NEA Jazz Masters

[Hardbopjazz]

Earlier this month I caught the Frank Wess Quintet. Michael Weiss was on piano. At the bar the discussion was on the end of the NEA Jazz Masters awards. This last one will be the last. Apparently it costs 250k for each recipient. Why does it cost so much? Do the winners get the money. Does anybody know? There are still several jazz greats around that should get this award.

[Chuck Nessa]

Winners get 25k. Don't know about other expenses. They did send a video crew from LA (I believe) to Chicago to shoot a segment with Von Freeman to be used at the event.

[brownie]

A review of the evening in today's New York Times.

[Hardbopjazz]

What I didn't like to read from that article was that two of the five couldn't attend because of health reasons. Let's hope Von Freeman and Charlie Haden are just home sick with the common cold.

Secondly, the New York Times may in fact be losing it. The Times mistakenly mixed up the musicians.

This how the NY Times lists the musicians.

Benny Golson and Frank Wess

Bobby Hutcherson and Kenny Barron.

I also heard this will be the last year for this NEA award. I don't know the reason why.

Edited January 12, 2012 by Hardbopjazz

[ValerieB]

and i heard and read that there will be a 2013 Jazz Masters Program! sure hope it's true!

[marcello]

The Bobby Hutcherson/Kenny Barron duet was by far the best music of the evening. They earned a well deserved standing ovation from the audience and the orchestra.

I had the pleasure of meeting Chuck Nessa and Ann Nessa, although briefly. My fault that I didn't have time to talk to them.

[Chuck Nessa]

The Bobby Hutcherson/Kenny Barron duet was by far the best music of the evening. They earned a well deserved standing ovation from the audience and the orchestra.

I had the pleasure of meeting Chuck Nessa and Ann Nessa, although briefly. My fault that I didn't have time to talk to them.

Great to meet you Tom. wonderful evening and we saw lots of old and new friends. Maybe more when we get home.

Edit to say I understand funding has been found for more Jazz Masters.

Edited January 13, 2012 by Chuck Nessa

[Hardbopjazz]

That's great new to hear funding has been found.

[ValerieB]

That's great new to hear funding has been found.

i'm hearing echoes in here but they're good ones! LOL

[Michael Weiss]

Let's see if Lou Donaldson gets one before it's too late.

[Hardbopjazz]

Let's see if Lou Donaldson gets one before it's too late.

I second that.