The multi-reedist and composer Anthony Braxton, the bassist and educator Richard Davis and the pianist and composer Keith Jarrett will be inducted as 2014 NEA Jazz Masters, the National Endowment for the Arts announced on Thursday.
Also among their ranks, receiving a special award for jazz advocacy, is Jamey Aebersold, who has put an indelible stamp on the culture of jazz education, with his play-along recording series and popular summer camps.
The NEA Jazz Masters award, generally considered the highest honor for a living jazz musician, has been given each year since 1982. In addition to the prestige, it comes with $25,000. The National Endowment for the Arts will hold a ceremony and concert on Jan. 13, in partnership with Jzz at Lincoln Center; the event will be streamed online, as was the case with the 2013 edition, early this year.
“On behalf of the National Endowment for the Arts,†Joan Shigekawa, the organization’s acting chairwoman, said in a statement, “I am proud to announce the newest class of NEA Jazz Masters. The NEA is committed to supporting this uniquely American art form, whether it’s through educational materials such as NEA Jazz in the Schools, supporting performance and educational activities by the Jazz Masters through Jazz Masters Live, or in this case, honoring the individuals who have devoted their lives and careers to mastering, sharing, and expanding this music.â€
