In light of the updated list of MAMA nominees I just received I’m finding it difficult to take the awards seriously. The Jazz Performer category has just been added. There is one nominee: The Blue Olives. When I received the first list I wondered about a number of names I’m not familiar with. I tried to brush off the feeling that things weren’t right and told myself I can’t know everyone in Madison who plays jazz. But I’ve seen the Blue Olives and there isn’t anything jazzy about them. Check out their website for yourself.
I’m sure there is more than one reason for this situation, but mainly it appears people are taking advantage of opportunities that exist because real jazz performers aren’t participating. Aren’t there any Madison jazz performers that believe in the MAMA mission, and are interested in some good PR for themselves?
I’m not the only person noticing something amiss. Over at 77 Square there is an article and comments about the omission of some of Madison’s best bands from the list of nominees. That is certainly true within the jazz categories.
Considering the recent additions to the list it may not be too late to add your name, too. Let’s see if we can get some real jazz players to vote for.
I can understand your point.
But what you have to remember is Jazz is such a huge label for a very complex style of music. Ragtime, Salsa, Bossa Nova, Fusion, Swing, Bebop and Blues are all labeled under the title Jazz. If you read http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jazz supports what I am saying. I have study jazz for 20 years.
I think any hard core bebop or swing play has a hard time understanding why this has happened. But if you have a player that plays all the styles all the time will understand how and why they are in this category.
Since jazz is about taking it outside the box…this is just something for you to think about.
Thanks for your thoughts. I understand the difficulties with labels and categories and why they’re best avoided, but when they are used it makes sense to place players in the category they fit best. The Blue Olives are more of a rock or blues group. There are many Madison groups and musicians that fit the jazz category better.
Actually I believe the real problem was that we Madison jazz fans and performers were too passive. We didn’t nominate anybody. Do we really want jazz in Madison?