On June 25, the Jazz Foundation of America (JFA) upheld its commitment to recognizing the immense contributions of individual jazz and blues musicians. The organization held its annual fundraising gala at the Vibrato Grill Jazz in Los Angeles, and this year, industry mogul Clarence Avant, renowned pianist and composer Dave Grusin, and distinguished tenor saxophonist Charles Lloyd were the recipients of its 2023 Lifetime Achievement Awards.
The benefit, an elegant blend of a dinner party, a live auction, and a concert, was initiated by JFA board member Dr. Daveed Frazier. Among the guests were music industry figures such as Marcia Withers, Phil Quartaro, Joel Sill, Richard Baskin, Gregg Field, Eric Benét, and Eden Alpert, the manager of Vibrato Grill Jazz.
JFA’s executive director, Joe Petrucelli, led the live auction segment, which featured unique items for bid including original artwork created on the spot by artist and architect Jim Watt. The art was produced in harmony with live music performed by the Antoine Drye Quartet and Bill Frisell, a unique collaboration initiated as a support mechanism for jazz musicians during the pandemic, and showcased in the 2021 film project “1000W”.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Awards. Petrucelli emphasized the significance of the honorees’ contributions, stating, “We’re celebrating three singular forces in music. Their collective influence extends across the entire music industry and cultural landscape.”
The video tribute to Avant, affectionately known as The Black Godfather, applauded his uncanny ability to bridge connections and broker deals, including his historic signing of the then-unknown Bill Withers to Sussex Records. Kori Withers, Bill’s daughter, gracefully performed her father’s classics, “Ain’t No Sunshine” and “Grandma’s Hands,” backed by an ensemble including Ray Parker Jr., Dean Parks, Patrice Rushen, Steve Jordan, and Alex Al. Accepting the award for Avant was Jimmy Jam, one-half of the Grammy-winning songwriting-production team, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis.
John Densmore acknowledged Lloyd’s profound versatility, noting Lloyd’s collaborations with Densmore’s group The Doors. This was followed by a compelling performance by saxophonist and composer Joshua Redman, who performed Lloyd’s “Sax/Drums Duet,” “Forest Flower,” and “Defiant.” Jackson Browne, in presenting Lloyd’s award, lauded the saxophonist’s timeless music.
The celebration of Grusin’s illustrious career, spanning film scoring, TV compositions, recording solo albums, and co-founding GRP Records, saw a medley performance by Michael Bearden, David Paich, Jeff Babko, and Rushen, with contributions from Lee Ritenour. The night’s climax was Grusin himself performing, including his Oscar-nominated hit “It Might Be You” from the “Tootsie” soundtrack. Alan Bergman, co-writer of the song’s lyrics, presented Grusin’s award.
#JazzFoundationofAmerica #LifetimeAchievement #JazzBlues #ClarenceAvant #DaveGrusin #CharlesLloyd #staticlivemagazine #staticlivemusic #electricwebservices
