EDDIE PALMIERI SPEAKS OUR AGAINST NARAS

MONDAY, JUNE 13TH

10AM-12PM

Eddie Palmieri will be hosting a press gathering in Washington, DC at the Marriot Wardman Hotel (2660 Woodley Rd, NW, Washington, DC 20008)

The elimination of categories, including Latin Jazz, for the 54th annual Grammy Awards raised many eyebrows and disappointed numerous musicians, especially former recipients/nominees. The ill-advised early April announcement by the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (NARAS) to cut thirty-one categories from the celebrated Grammy Awards has been met with shock and loud protests nationally and internationally. Latin Jazz, Contemporary Jazz, Cajun, Zydeco, Hawaiian, Polka, Traditional World, and certain gosel, Blies, R&B, and Mexican cateogires, among others, have all been unceremoniously terminated.

Renowned Puerto Rican pianist, Eddie Palmieri opposes NARAS’ recent move and is part of a national coalition seeking to reinstate the categories recently eliminated. Mr. Palmieri, famous for his unique ability to blend jazz and Latin rhythms, is considered one of the creators of the Latin Jazz genre and was particularly affected by the elimination of the category. Palmieri and other musicians are not ready to give up their categories and want NARAS to recognize that the genres remain relevant with vast and diverse international audiences that fill concert venues and music festivals.

Musicians like Eddie Palmieri have worked hard to establish the difference between straight-ahead Jazz and Latin Jazz. For more than 50 years, the nine-time Grammy award winner has been recognized as a groundbreaking pianist, composer/arranger and leader of celebrated Salsa and Latin jazz orchestras, as well as smaller jazz-oriented ensembles. He has also generously mentored countless young musicians throughout his career. He is hoping that the petition that initiated on his web-site and has grown to include a national base of supporters will force NARAS to re-think their decision, giving young artists the ability to continue the traditions associated with the eliminated categories.