Publisher’s letter
The Force is strong
RECENTLY MY SON AND I WERE WATCHING the new HD version of Star Wars on television when a commercial came on trumpeting the "Women of Star Wars." I Googled those words on my computer and found a few sites showcasing these women. The home page of one featured this banner: "Think Star Wars is just about a bunch of fly boys? Then think again."
Other sites discussed everything from the role of women in the saga to how women helped broaden the Star Wars audience. They reminded me of conversations I had with my editors as we prepared to produce our first "Women of Jazz" issue eight years ago. We began with a desire to showcase a wealth of female talent. In the process, we hoped to broaden our own audience. Beyond those basic wishes, however, we weren’t sure who to put on the cover or even what direction the issue should take. After a lot of back and forth, we finally settled on a direction and produced a cover that featured photographs of nearly a hundred women that appeared in the issue.
Since 2000, we’ve featured artists such as Cassandra Wilson, Geri Allen, Diana Krall, and Norah Jones on our "Women in Jazz" covers. Inside we’ve spotlighted hundreds of outstanding female singers and instrumentalists. This year’s issue is no different, starting with the young woman on our cover, Esperanza Spalding. Whether this charismatic bass player and singer brings jazz a greater degree of mainstream visibility remains to be seen. Right now she has as good of a chance as anyone and a better chance than most. Elsewhere in this issue, you’ll find features and shorter stories on a wide range of talented women. Check out Ted Panken’s insightful piece on the recent pop leanings of Dianne Reeves or Kara Manning’s profile of young British sensation Adele Adkins. Find out what guitarist Leni Stern discovered during her two years in Africa or why Cassandra Wilson decided to record an album of standards.
There’s a lot to savor in this issue, not the least of which is this year’s "Women in Jazz" CD. As you might know, the CDs that accompany our annual "Women in Jazz" issues have become a great musical showcase for a gamut of talented ladies. With fresh cuts from Spalding, Wilson, Karrin Allyson, Marilyn Scott, Jackie Ryan, KJ Denhert, and others, this year’s disc is a real gem.
What does all of this add up to? Well, if you think jazz is just about a bunch of boys and their instruments - think again.- Michael Fagien
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