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Matt Receives his second "Young Jazz Composers Award" at ASCAP June 21, 2006
Matt was honored to receive a 2005/2006 Young Jazz Composers Award from ASCAP for his composition, “Serenity” (on his new Quantum Leap CD). The awarding of the awards is done in NY at ASCAP’s Jazz Wall, which has on it the names of the “Legends of Jazz,” both living and not.
Matt had the additional thrill of performing his winning composition for event attendees that evening… using a piano that belonged to Harold Arlen. There were so many jazz greats in the audience that we can’t even begin to mention everyone; but Matt was excited by the opportunity to perform, humbled by the musicians in the room, and inspired by the accomplishments of the people in various aspects of the music business.
At the event, the names of three “Living Legends” are placed on the wall, along with the names of three past legends. This year was especially exciting in terms of the greats whose names were inscribed.
The Living Legend Award recipients were: Frank Foster, Horace Silver and Clark Terry The 2006 Inductees (awarded posthumously) were: Freddie Green, Fletcher Henderson and Sarah Vaughan There is another award given at this event: The ASCAP Foundation Vanguard Award The winner of this year’s award was: Ken Hatfield
Some of the things that make this event so exciting are having the opportunity to meet and hear the “Living Legends,” getting to watch video of the “Inductees” performing in their day, listening to a performance by the recipient of the ASCAP Foundation Vanguard Award, hearing performances by jazz greats honoring the Inductees and listening to new up-and-coming talent. It is an evening of education and excitement and awe…and for the young musicians being honored at the event, it is an evening of inspiration to be linked to those who have come before. The event is all about honoring legends of jazz and holding out the torch to the new generation of young jazz artists. But it is MORE than that. Seeing rare video of people about whom the young generation has heard but did not have the opportunity to hear live is educational and even more closely links the past to the present and future. In addition, there are usually performances by other jazz greats to honor the living legends. Sax great, Bill Saxton, performed with his quartet to honor “Living Legend” Frank Foster.
And vocalist Steve Tyrell, sang a tune to Clark Terry.
Even posthumous awards are given special tribute. Here is diva Roberta Flack talking about her friend and mentor, Sarah Vaughan. Roberta is beautiful and extremely charismatic in person and not just “an incredible voice!”
And Dr. Billy Taylor talks about Freddie Green and Fletcher Henderson.
We don’t even know where to begin in thanking everyone at ASCAP who has supported Matt and encouraged him to follow his dream…Fran Richard, Ken Cicerale, EVERYONE…young and old!
Here are a few photos taken at the event:
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