A 2011 Grammy Event Retrospective

In music (particularly Jazz music), as with other facets of life, I am hopelessly devoted to optimism. For me, this has proven to be a blessing and a curse. In virtually any situation I’m faced, my head acknowledges the reality (whether good or bad) while my heart looks for the “brighter side” of things.

Here enters the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards which aired Sunday evening, February 13th. Every year I have this internal battle when it comes to the Grammys. For example, I’m not that big a fan of the “Mainstream Machine” of Pop music, but I DO appreciate the diversity of music that is now considered “Pop” from songs that have crossed over from various genres such as hip-hop, R&B, and country. What’s that, you’d like to hear another example? Okay - I even have to reluctantly admit to myself that I have a small degree of guilty pleasure in seeing what Lady GaGa will wear next, or what will the artists’ live performances attempt to try and outdo each other to obtain the coveted, yet unawarded distinction of “Most Memorable Performance”; talked about for days at the water cooler.

With all that said, I must say with sincere humility that I do in fact appreciate and love ALL genres of music, and the expressive work of all musicians. It is in fact, art, and whether or not it’s your preferred music, it is important to consider and respect its creativity.

When it comes to the Grammys, I have always complained (at least to myself) that awards in Best Jazz rarely, if ever, are televised. The same goes for live Jazz performances. With much due respect to the Academy, it almost seems with each passing year that music’s biggest night is constructed with Pop at the hub, while genres such as Jazz, R&B, Bluegrass, and Country linger on the fringes. But maybe I’m wrong; after all, I can only make this assumption from what we’re all given to see (on TV). I’m sure there’s a lot more that takes place off-camera than I’m aware of. But just in case there is a shred of my assumption that is accurate, there’s got to be a better way to balance this out. I know there’s only 3 ½ hours of allotted primetime for performances and award presentations. There is not enough time to televise every award given to every recipient. I get that. I also get the fact that with companies vying for advertising air during the show, this is about dollars, cents, sales, and ratings. Airing the part of the show with today’s A-list pop acts and yesterday’s legends is a strategy for locking in high viewership and ratings.

This is just how things are, and I totally accept that. It’s just, as a Jazz lover, it sometimes gets frustrating for me to see an opportunity in an event that has worldwide recognition and visibility, pass by the American artform that could SO use that visibility, and needs it. That said, the hopelessly optimistic side of me would like to note some “shades of splendor” from last night’s show, where acknowledgements in Jazz music were made:

• Jazz Drummer Roy Haynes was named among the short, dignified list of honorees to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. For the man who’s been in the game for over a half a century, cited by many fellow musicians as a significant influence in other genres of music, and has played with Parker, Coltrane, Vaughan, Davis, and Gillespie (just to name a few), to say its well deserved is a major understatement.


• Neil Portnow, the recording academy President & CEO spoke on the Academy’s mission, that includes enriching the youth in artistic expression with their nationwide programs such as music sessions and camps, offering scholarships, as well as opportunities to perform on the biggest night in music; as part of the GRAMMY Jazz Ensemble and Camp Bands. Seeing the GRAMMY Jazz Ensemble perform (joined by Esperanza Spalding) as Neil Portnow spoke brought warmth to my heart.


• And of course there was Esperanza Spalding receiving the Grammy for Best New Artist, the first time ever for a Jazz Musician. While she was recognized as “new” in 2010, the quality in her music suggests otherwise; as Ms. Spalding is already on her 3rd album. Humble, eloquent, and gracious in her acceptance, her persona in receiving the award was very well represented of the class of the music itself.

I will continue to be optimistic throughout the year, leading up to the 2012 Grammys. Regardless how frustrated I may get at the sometimes seemingly “slighting” of the music I hold near and dear, I am willfully held captive by my love and passion for the art of music.

- jh