Jazz Legacy Awards
Jazz Legacy Awards Philadelphia, PA
State Sen. Vincent Hughes and wife-actress Sheryl Lee Ralph were the host of the Jazz Legacy Awards Reception, honoring Howard Carroll, Pat Martino, Jymie Merritt, Sonia Sanchez, Monnette Sudler and McCoy Tyner.
The intimate afternoon ceremony, held July 27 at the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz and Performing Arts, was attended by jazz lovers and leaders of the arts community, including acoustic bassist Warren Oree, Al Simpkins of Bushfire Theatre and drummer Bernard Purdie, best known for his work on Aretha Franklin’s dance hit, “Rock Steady.”
“There’s a lot of activities going on — 50,000 people from all over the world are here in in Philadelphia, and Sheryl and I decided that this would be an opportune time to do something of this nature to recognize our legends,” said Hughes.
“To recognize those individuals who have been trailblazers, who have laid down a path of perfection as far as this art form is concerned, and at the same time, make sure that we have a public conversation, through the music, in this case, about why it is important that there be public support for the arts. Especially for something that we love so very much — the art form called jazz — America’s original art form,” he added.
“I’m so happy to see all of you right here, right now, just as you are,” said Ralph, who referred to Hughes as a visionary. “Because when my husband had the idea to put this all together, I just said, ‘Baby, if you think it, if you do it they will come.’ And you did.”
After a superb jazz set by Nazir Ebo and Friends, the awards ceremony got underway with Emmy-winning composer Bill Jolly honoring Tyner, who was unable to attend due to health issues. The Rev. Joe Williams, the sole remaining member of the Dixie Hummingbirds, accepted on behalf of Carroll, who played guitar for the group.
Jamaladeen Tacuma presented an award to fellow bassist and pioneer Merrit, and a spoken word performance by Susan Burgess preceded Greg Corbin’s presentation to poet Sanchez. Later, Burgess presented to beloved Philadelphia guitarist Sudler, and Anthony DeCarlo, a member of the Nizir Ebo band, was clearly delighted to honor his role model, guitarist Martino.
In addition to an exquisite crystal statuette, each honoree received a stunning canvas portrait painted by Amir Campbell.
Hughes said he had introduced Senate Bill 1234, which would establish the Council on Jazz Education and Preservation and create the Jazz Legacy Fund. He is also the sponsor of Senate Resolution 349 designating Jazz Appreciation Month in Pennsylvania.
“We thought it was important,” Hughes said of the jazz awards. “As most of you know who are connected to the arts, whatever it may be, the history of public support has been dropping dramatically. The amount of dollars coming to whatever it is that we choose to love and embrace and want to support, state dollars, city dollars, federal dollars have been dropping dramatically.
“We think it is our responsibility to begin a process to start to drive a message that we need to increase those dollars. We’re very connected to this music. It’s something that we love,” said the Democratic lawmaker who represents Senatorial District 7.