ASCAP Action

JAZZ IN D.C.

(l-r): ASCAP's Adrian Ross, Congressman John Conyers, Jr., honoree Dr. Billy Taylor, D.C. consultant Gardine Hailes and ASCAP's Esther SanSaurus. Photo by: Louis Myrie

The Congressional Black Caucus Honors Living Jazz Legend Dr. Billy Taylor

Congressman John Conyers, Jr., Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, and Dean of the Congressional Black Caucus, again teamed up with ASCAP to host the 21st Annual Jazz Issues Forum and Concert during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Annual Legislative Conference on September 22. The event, which was free and open to the public, took place at the Washington Convention Center.

Dr. Billy Taylor, jazz legend and ASCAP member, was this year's honoree. The veteran pianist, composer, bandleader, music educator and broadcast personality is among the most honored and distinguished figures in jazz. Dr. Taylor's recording career spans nearly six decades and he is a prolific composer as well, with works for theatre, dance, and symphony orchestras.

This year's Jazz Concert also featured music by Maurice Brown, a young artist from New Orleans making a name for himself as both a trumpeter and composer. In January 2005, Brown was named a winner of ASCAP's 2004 – 2005 Young Jazz Composer Award. In May 2005, Downbeat Magazine's editor called Brown "one of the most exciting new trumpeters in jazz." Also on the bill was the James Tatum Trio Plus, featuring Donald Walden.