Apr 17, 2019 9:00 AM
Branford Marsalis Discusses the Genre, Teaching Music and Getting Up Early
Whether riffing on his new quartet album, his recent work with singer Kurt Elling, his dynastic jazz family, his…
Vocalist Dianne Reeves is the recipient of a 2016 USA Fellowship Award.
(Photo: Jerris Madison/Courtesy of United States Artists)Singer Dianne Reeves, pianists Randy Weston and Vijay Iyer and drummer Mike Reed are among the 46 artists who have been honored with a 2016 United States Artists (USA) Fellowship Award. Each artist will receive an unrestricted cash award of $50,000.
USA awarded fellowships in nine categories: Architecture & Design, Crafts, Dance, Literature, Media, Music, Theater & Performance, Traditional Arts and Visual Arts.
There were six recipients in the Music category. Along with the aforementioned musicians, Raven Chacon and Eddy Kwon also received fellowships.
“By supporting American artists, USA is supporting creativity, free expression and a strong diverse culture. Our Fellows cross all ages, ethnicities and stages in their careers,” said United States Artists Interim President & CEO Sunny Fischer. “Each has a unique artistic voice that expands the creative environment of the United States. It is an honor to support these artists, contribute to their financial security and to facilitate future works. We are encouraging the best of what American artists can achieve.”
Earlier this year, Weston, 90, was inducted into the DownBeat Hall of Fame via the 2016 DownBeat Critics Poll. On Dec. 2–4, Weston will perform with his African Rhythms Quintet at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola in New York.
The 2016 USA Fellows will be celebrated in Chicago at USA’s annual Artist Assembly on March 27–29, 2017. The assembly includes performances, artist presentations and opportunities for artists to give back by partnering with local not-for-profit organizations, community arts organizations, and schools that serve young art students.
For 10 years, USA Fellowships have been awarded to artists at all stages of their careers and from all areas of the country through a rigorous nomination and panel selection process. Previous recipients include novelist Annie Proulx, playwright David Henry Hwang, choreographer Bill T. Jones and visual artist Kara Walker.
The Braford Marsalis Quartet’s latest album, The Secret Between The Shadow And The Soul, features compositions by the bandleader, pianist Joey Calderazzo and bassist Eric Revis. Drummer Justin Faulkner rounds out the ensemble.
Apr 17, 2019 9:00 AM
Whether riffing on his new quartet album, his recent work with singer Kurt Elling, his dynastic jazz family, his…
Frank Caruso (1948–2019)
Apr 25, 2019 8:59 AM
Chicago-based pianist and educator Frank Caruso died suddenly on April 22 at a relative’s home in Cary, Illinois. He…
Reedist Dave Liebman has contributed to scores of recordings, including Miles Davis’ On The Corner.
Mar 19, 2019 9:00 AM
Dave Liebman’s legacy seemingly coalesced in an enthralling full-circle moment on Feb. 6, 2015, at Nashville’s 3rd…
Chicago percussionist and bandleader Kahil El’Zabar has a pair of recordings slated for release on Spiritmuse, a new UK imprint.
Mar 21, 2019 9:00 AM
For more than four decades, percussionist Kahil El’Zabar’s vision has embraced tradition and the future, the local…
Since the 1980s, London-based DJ and record label founder Gilles Peterson has been a force in music. The first installment of his We Our Here festival is set to run Aug. 15–18 in Abbots Ripton, Cambridgeshire, U.K.
Apr 25, 2019 1:55 AM
Being a curator has become a defining ethos for the 21st century. With digital platforms bombarding us with choice, a…
