Jazz and the Grammys
I didn’t realize there wasn’t a jazz category in the Grammys. I’m no expert in the music biz, but it seems wrong to me that an American original art form that is now loved around the world doesn’t have a recognized category. Maybe I’m just all about underdogs; bluegrass doesn’t get the recognition I think it deserves either.
Part of my practice routine is to play my mandolin at chemotherapy. Today’s selection was Duke Ellington’s “Take the “A” Train.” The other patients seem to dig jazz and bluegrass both, and it does me good to see ’em smile. Maybe neither style of music will end up as a mogul money machine, but with all of us doing what we can at a grassroots level, real music can’t be denied, and jazz is as real as bluegrass. Long live both genres.
Correcton: I heard from Don Stirenburg, the great jazz mandolinist from Chicago and he said there was a jazz category, and also a classical, but he wished they would have these artists perform more on the show. I agree with him. Thanks for catching this, Don. As far as mandolin jazz and chord melody work you won’t run across any better than Mr. Stirenburg.
Dr. B
Tags: chemotherapy, jazz
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Dr. Tom Bibey: Stories of the Bluegrass Music Road 
February 15, 2012 at 8:29 pm
That is great Dr. B! You are playing some real music for everyone’s enjoyment, along with making an otherwise rough experience a little easier for all concerned! I very much admire your approach to life and all of its experiences. You create happiness wherever you are!
February 15, 2012 at 9:01 pm
Carolyn,
And just think- we can’t even begin to approximate Heaven. All will be perfect there; this is just a warm up routine.
Dr. B
February 16, 2012 at 6:32 am
So VERY true!
February 15, 2012 at 8:54 pm
ya said a mouthful there, Doc.
take care
February 15, 2012 at 9:02 pm
Bless ya Jel. Dr. B
February 15, 2012 at 8:57 pm
Ellington was one of the most versatile guys around as was Cole Porter. How many of your mando buddies have done Caravan.
February 15, 2012 at 9:04 pm
Janice,
Agree! Caravan is a good’un It’s been a while since we’ve played it in our crowd; need to revive that one.
Dr. B