Talkin all that Jazz

Over in the UK, like the rest of the world, we have numerous award shows. One of the major music awards are the MOBO (Music of Black Origin) Last year, the organisers behind this award decided to drop the Jazz category. I think the official reason was something along the lines of a 'restructuring of the music categories'. Now those who know me know I don't hold much truck with award shows. I think their just a reason for people to slap each other on the back, a have a good night out. Also what criteria do they use to establish what film, or album is better than another? But this decision by the MOBO was scandalous. What was worse, very few so-called Black Music organisation had the 'Kohoonas' to report this (Stand up Touch magazine) you may be surprised to know that their was a demonstration outside the Royal Albert hall Venue. This was just another kick in the groin for Jazz, which has been on the ropes for a while. Now i don't claim to be an expert on Jazz, and i maybe am on the right person to try and defend it in print, but I feel that if people invest a little bit of time in this genre, they would come out with a love & respect for it. The trick is to find an instrument that you enjoy listening to, and exploring the many different styles from there. For example I enjoy jazz Guitar. Now the first artist I flirted with was Ronny Jordan. I brought all his stuff, and then got hipped to Norman Brown. Now Ronny was more acid jazz/ street compared to Norman Brown, was verged onto a more smooth jazz terrain. Form there I read that Ronny's idol was Wes Montgomery. At this time a documentary about Wes was on TV, and although his work is based in the 1960's I like what I heard, and am in the process of securing his work, via Amazon, and my Local Library. From there i went onto George Benson, especially his earlier, more jazz tinged work. The thing is, like all music, you have to hear the music to be able to have an opinion on it, not so easy in these days of radio play lists, playing the same songs. You can develop a liking for this genre. My Boy Mike Morgan, and his lovely partner, accompanied me and my wife to a Ronny Jordan concert (who he had never heard of!) from what I can remember he had a great night, and thoroughly enjoyed himself.
So don't be like the MOBOs. Don't fake the funk on Jazz!