Three veteran musicians and the owner of an iconic club are among the latest to be recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts as Jazz Masters, an award that recognizes a lifetime of achievement in contributing to the development of jazz as an art form.
Saxophonist Lou Donaldson, pianist-songwriter Mose Allison and Latin jazz bandleader Eddie Palmieri join the owner of New York City's Village Vanguard, Lorraine Gordon, as recipients of the honor, which includes a $25,000 prize. Gordon was chosen to receive the A.B. Spellman NEA Jazz Masters Award for Jazz Advocacy, which recognizes individuals who have contributed to the appreciation and advancement of jazz.
Altoist Donaldson's six-decade career spans influential turns of both bebop and soul jazz, with groove-heavy records from his later career such as "Everything I Play is Funky" and "Alligator Boogaloo" influencing the modern instrumental funk scene.
A unique songwriter voice, Allison's influence extended far into rock and pop with artists such as Van Morrison, Elvis Costello and the Clash covering his work, and pianist Palmieri merged the music of Puerto Rico with jazz over a career that extends more than 55 years. Palmieri will be performing at the Hollywood Bowl on Aug. 15 with Ruben Blades.
Gordon's club could be considered one of the stations of the cross for any jazz lover visiting New York City. The Village Vanguard has also hosted many landmark live recordings, including albums by Sonny Rollins and John Coltrane. A monthly series of concerts are also broadcast on public radio, with recent performances by Marc Ribot, Craig Taborn and Roy Hargrove.
The four new NEA Jazz Masters join elite company of 124 previous honorees that make up a who's who of the genre including Count Basie, Dizzy Gillespie and Herbie Hancock.
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