Jazz Legend, pretty cool title, huh?
However, more than a very hip moniker, it is a well-earned and well-deserved honor.
An award based on a body of work that has had a profound effect on jazz and
on those of us who love it.
This past Wednesday, Aug. 8, Terence Blanchard joined Mose Allison, Houston Person, Dame Cleo Laine and Sir John Dankworth among others as L
Now, the obvious question is, why would a musician with five Grammies, a Golden Globe nomination, dozens of film soundtracks and countless accolades, need another award from us?
Well, he doesn't ... but we needed to give him one. If not for his rich history of recording with the likes of Lionel Hampton and The Jazz Messengers, then for his work with Spike Lee inmaking films that made a difference.
If not for his legendary live performances, then for his work as a son and as a father in helping his hometown of New Orleans dry off and stand tall.
If not for moving jazz forward, then for helping keep jazz alive. The truth is, just because we can't possibly thank this famous New Orleans trumpeter enough for all that he's done ... but it doesn't mean that we shouldn't try.
Jazz tonight … jazz tomorrow.
