In today’s (February 2, 2012) “Timeout Weekend, Bay Area News Group,” John Santos exposed a grave concern that the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) has indicated by the “dropping 31 ethnic categories (Santos.20).” Santos indicates how the categories cut from the foundation of American music are “…the blues categorizes, Latin jazz, [and] cutting down gospel and R&B, and eliminating contemporary jazz (IBID).” These categories have worldwide acceptance, and now the most respected organization in the world denies their presence. How can one cut the foundation of contemporary music, R&B categories without biting your nose off despite your face?
According to Santos, “The cuts compromise not only the artist’s earning capabilities but also the businesses and schools that present and teach the various types of music.” Santos establishes a valid point when considering why these categories were selected. As a music lover of such genres and of Caribbean heritage, I am very concerned that my Latin roots will become marginalized and the Latino, jazz, and its’ hybridise are to survive?
Santos, however, has developed allies that are galvanizing awareness, such as the San Francisco Art Commission, Herbie Hancock, Eddie Palmeri, Paul Simon, Carlos Santana, Bill Cosby, Esperanza Spalding, Bonnie Raitt, Stanley Clarke, David Amram, Pete Escovedo, Oscar Hernandez, Larry Harlow, Rev. Jesse Jackson, and Cornell West.
For more information and updates visit http://www.grammywatch.org.
