The problem with “Jazz Appreciation Month", as April has been designated, is that it presupposes that we have not been appreciating jazz all year. Of course, anything that gets jazz into the larger consciousness is a good thing for all involved but the real task is keeping it there as soon as May 1st hits and the National Bike Month people take over. April here in New York is full of activity, government recognition or not. A Live From London Festival hits town, highlighting the contributions of musicians from across the pond (check out our Cover Story on Stan Tracey, Label Spotlight of Harkit Records, Encore on Tubby Hayes and special CD review section devoted to Britain's rich jazz culture). Another large-scale jazz event taking place this month is the now-annual Central Brooklyn Jazz Consortium Festival at locations throughout that borough.
Of course festivals are another means of getting jazz to the masses but it is the clubs, small and large, up and downtown, which make New York deserve its status of jazz capital of the world. Where else can you see venerable drummer Billy Hart lead a group for a week (our Interview subject is at Village Vanguard) or hear Boston saxophonist Charlie Kohlhase (Artist Feature) play in an intimate venue with the legendary John Tchicai? What other metropolis can boast of an outer borough like Brooklyn, that itself has more jazz spots than most US cities (see our Club Profile on Night and Day for one of the many)?
If you are reading this gazette, this is all old news to you. We don't need to tell you to peruse our expansive CD review section or browse our event calendar. You're already way ahead of us. But maybe if we all try really hard, all those other people will realize that jazz cannot be appreciated in a month...it takes a lifetime. And in May, tell a bicylist that listening to jazz while riding will make the experience even better.
We sure will...
For more information contact All About Jazz.
