JAZZ GREATS HONORED IN NEW YORK

Bucky Pizzarelli, Neal Hefti and Shirley Horn are Added to the Jazz Wall of Fame

ASCAP President and Chariman Marilyn Bergman with Jazz Wall Living Legend inductee Bucky Pizzarelli

Seven music greats were added to the ASCAP Jazz Wall of Fame at a reception on June 23 hosted by ASCAP President and Chairman Marilyn Bergman at the Society's headquarters in New York City. The event was highlighted by the induction of three ASCAP Jazz Living Legends: composer/arranger Neal Hefti, vocalist/pianist Shirley Horn, and guitarist John "Bucky" Pizzarelli. The latest group of inductees also includes four posthumous honorees: trumpeter Thad Jones, trombonist Jack Teagarden, violinist Joe Venuti and pianist/composer Mary Lou Williams. Participating in the event as presenters and performers were Dr. Billy Taylor, James McBride, Rufus Reid, Hilton Ruiz and John Pizzarelli. In addition, emergent and critically-acclaimed pianist/composer Matthew Shipp was presented with the newly-established ASCAP Foundation Jazz Vanguard Award.

The event featured Bucky and John Pizzarelli performing a swinging guitar duet; pianist Hilton Ruiz playing a tribute to his friend and mentor, Mary Lou Williams; Matthew Shipp performing a powerful and radical interpretation of the standard, "Angel Eyes," and Young Jazz Composer Award recipient Manuel Valera and his trio showcasing an original work. The reception also celebrated The ASCAP Foundation�s third annual Young Jazz Composer Awards. The program was established in 2002 to encourage the jazz creators of the future. The ASCAP Foundation Young Jazz Composer Awards recognize composers under 30 years of age whose works are selected through a national competition. The judges for the competition were ASCAP members John Fedchock, Phil Markowitz and Rufus Reid.