Good news to share: I’m pleased to report that at yesterday’s Jazz Journalists Association Awards ceremony at the Blue Note, I was presented the HELEN DANCE-ROBERT PALMER AWARD FOR WRITING IN 2011.
A complete list of awards, for musicians and journalists, can be found here.
I tend not to think too much about awards for things like writing and making music, though I vote in juries for them when asked. Still, since this one is judged solely by critics, journalists, and editors (my colleagues), the recognition especially sweet. And with folks like Ron Carter, Joe Lovano, Wadada Leo Smith and Maria Schneider on hand applauding, it felt like a real moment too. One namesake of this award, Robert Palmer, was a brilliant and trailblazing writer whose work helped set me off on my most important paths. And it felt odd yet complete when accepting the award to stand on the stage of the Blue Note, where I worked more than 20 years ago, and where I first began a true immersion in jazz, with a new guide each week: Elvin Jones, Ray Charles, Joe Zawinul, and on.
Sam thinks the award is “pointy,” which it is. Here he is, award in hand.