The New York State Senate

J4726

LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Phil Schaap upon the occasion of his
retirement after many years of distinguished service at Jazz at Lincoln
Center and for his lifelong contribution to the history of the art of
jazz

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body seeks to acknowledge those individuals
whose professional lives and academic and artistic endeavors serve to
enhance the stature of the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Phil
Schaap upon the occasion of his retirement after many years of distin-
guished service at Jazz at Lincoln Center; and
WHEREAS, Phil Schaap's years at Jazz at Lincoln Center are only the
latest phase in a long and distinguished career as this country's preem-
inent jazz scholar and historian; and
WHEREAS, Phil Schaap was first exposed to Jazz as a child through his
father's friendship with members of the original Count Basie orchestra;
he eventually became manager to the Countsmen; and
WHEREAS, In 1970, Phil Schaap began broadcasting on WKCR-FM, where he
developed "Bird Flight", focusing on the music of jazz legend Charlie
Parker, and "Traditions in Swing" both of which he continues to host;
and
WHEREAS, From 1984 to 1991, Phil Schaap served as archivist for the
Savoy Jazz label where he was involved with the re-release of many
archival recordings on CD including Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Billie
Holiday, Benny Goodman, Louis Armstrong, Machito and the Afro-Cubans,
and Duke Ellington; and
WHEREAS, Phil Schaap's contributions have been recognized with multi-
ple Grammy nominations and awards, including three awards for historical
writing, three for producing, and two for engineering; and
WHEREAS, Phil Schaap has taught jazz at Columbia University, Rutgers
University, Princeton University and Julliard; and
WHEREAS, In 2001, Phil Schaap became Curator of Jazz at Lincoln
Center; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his role of Curator, Phil Schaap served as the
academic head of Swing University at Jazz at Lincoln Center; and
WHEREAS, In the many roles he has served over the years, Phil Schaap
has helped ensure that this uniquely American music survives and
thrives; the music gives us insight into our character as a metropolis
and country and most importantly, it swings; and
WHEREAS, In his long and illustrious career, through his sense of
humor and idiosyncratic approach to broadcasting, Phil Schaap has
brought jazz and joy to millions of Americans; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Phil Schaap upon the occasion of his retirement after many years
of distinguished service to Jazz at Lincoln Center; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Phil Schaap.