Friday, February 14, 2014

Jazz And The Grammy`s

     Are you "sick of seeing musical performances that are sex-based"? Jackson, J. (2014), Bring Jazz Music Back to the Grammy`s, The Jazz Network Worldwide. According to the numbers from the music industry, most of America and the world loves the sexually-based performances. After-all, we`re talking about popular music - Pop Culture. So, I ask you, in this pop culture should jazz be included at the Grammy`s? Of course, we adherents of jazz want to see jazz included at the Grammy`s, but should jazz be included? Maybe it should, but the exclusion of jazz also furthers the argument of jazz being an art, and not simply popular entertainment.

     There is a move by some to petition the Grammy`s to include jazz. Sure, as a jazz artist I would like to see jazz a part of the Grammy Awards, but I would not sign a petition. Jazz is not a pop culture fad, but an art form that has devoted listeners and fans. Let`s face it, a Joshua Redman concert will not attract the same numbers as a Justin Bieber concert, but I am sure Joshua Redman is okay with that. Here`s my point, jazz artist are passionate about the art of jazz, and will make life style sacrifices to pursue what we love. Jazz is not a popular art form, nor is it intended for everybody. Jazz is a music you have to study and come too.

     Does jazz need to have its own jazz awards ceremony? We do, just ask Downbeat, Jazz Times, and other jazz media outlets. In other words, the critics and readers polls.

     I congratulate all the Grammy nominees and winners of the January 26, 2014 Grammy awards, because they have worked hard and achieved in their respective genres, and are true stand-outs in the music entertainment and recording industry. The Grammy Awards and music industry are serving the needs, taste, and wants of the people; giving the people what they want, because that`s how capitalism, choice, democracy, and free enterprise works. So, we as jazz artist have to understand that, and we also enjoy the same freedoms to create our art, know matter how unpopular it may be.


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