In early January, some of the MNN
producers were given VIP tickets to sit in the studio audience for a taping of “The
Harry Connick Jr. Show,” so April and I took advantage of this opportunity. The
lavish set in the gigantic studio was most impressive; and I, of course, was
immediately struck by the beautiful white 9-foot concert grand Steinway prominently
positioned on the stage.
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| Harry Connick Jr. at his Steinway |
We were told by the staff and the
floor manager to prepare to have a good time, because we were about to hear
some great music. And they were right! Harry Connick Jr.’s band is one of the
best groups of musicians in the talk show circuit. These were top-quality instrumentalists,
many of whom have played with Harry for years. But again, as I have observed so
many times, Harry Connick Jr. did not have one female in his band.
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| Harry and his band |
Now I’m sure
that, if questioned about it, Harry would say that his band members travel
together, sometimes in tight quarters, and sometimes must change clothes while
in the same room, etc. etc. Okay. Those may be the conditions while traveling
on tour. But when you are taping a nationally syndicated TV show in the CBS Studios, you have a responsibility to show your audience that you do not
discriminate. This is also about economics: the men in his band are able to
provide for their families, while female musicians are forced to wait on the
sidelines for work and income.
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| Mary Lou Williams |
Pianist Mary Lou Williams could tell
you all about sexism among jazz musicians. She was one of the greatest jazz
pianists of all time; yet she had to form her own band to avoid the risk of
being booked to play with bands that would not respect her artistry. She is one
of my idols. When men in the jazz world refused to recognize her genius, she
turned to the religious world and composed a Mass for performance in sacred settings. A
role-model and warrior… Rest in Power, Mary Lou!
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| Mary Lou Williams performing at St. Patrick's Cathedral |
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