"Congratulations to my friend (and producer of my album Penumbra) ORRIN KEEPNEWS, on the occasion of his receiving the 2011 NEA Jazz Masters Award for Jazz Advocacy.
The NEA Jazz Masters Award is our nation's highest honor for jazz musicians and industry professionals.
I can think of no one more deserving than Orrin, who, by following his own street sense and good taste, became the leading curator of American jazz, producing nearly every historically significant jazz album of the modern era.
Like many musicians and fans, I trace the beginning of my jazz education to nights at the turntable, courtesy of Orrin. Thank you, Mr. Keepnews -- and kudos!"
~D.M.