The Vijay Iyer- MacArthur Foundation Controversy

Honoring pianist Vijay Iyer with a MacArthur Foundation so-called “genius grant” worth $625,000 has caused controversy in Jazz circles. The Ottawa Citizen’s Peter Hum takes a dispassionate look at the situation, quoting those such as guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel and pianist Kenny Drew Jr. who reacted against the grant, and the hype which describes Iyer as the “greatest living jazz pianist”, and others such as drummer Marcus Gilmore who feel the award is well-deserved. Wondering about the fairness of any such award, Hum says at least it takes some ink away from pop stars.