Jazz Composers Forum

Letters of Appreciation

June 2003
Dear JCF ,
I think one of the most important contributions that America has had in the world is it’s generation of innovative forms of music. The Jazz Composers Forum provides an opportunity for the works of our region’s creative artists to share with the public what they are creating. This is of such great importance in this area of the country where there are relatively fewer opportunities for new jazz music to be heard in public. I hope that the Forum can continue to grow and prosper so that our resident artists can be heard and encouraged to continue their important work. We’ve all been inspired by the amazing music that has taken place at these Forums.
Sincerely, Benji Anderson, pianist
Atlanta, Ga

April. 23, 2004
To The Jazz Composers Forum,
I am writing to say thank you to Sharon LaMotte, Bill Gerhardt, Mike Holstein, Aimee Sullivan and Byron Hedgepeth for their dedication to the purpose of the Jazz Composers Forum. It is due to their hard work and the composers-in residence before them that it is now possible to see and hear Jazz at it's finest in Asheville. The Jazz Composers Forum organization under the direction of Sharon LaMotte, have continued to bring before the Asheville Community music that has not been available in this area before. Their concerted efforts hard work and dedication have created a place where local, national and world talent can show case their original music. This music would go unheard or would never be created without this type of forum. It is important for the growth of JAZZ music and Jazz musicians to support organizations like this.
Jeff Rudolph, drummer
Engineer, SoundReal Studios
Waynesville, NC

January 2005
Dear Sharon:
This is a letter of appreciation for the work you have done and continue to do to promote jazz in our community. We are truly blessed with some of the finest jazz musicians in the world, right here in our own back yard. Without people like you, these musicians would have to relocate in order to pursue their art and be heard.

I'm a late bloomer as far as my appreciation for traditional jazz, although it's always been there. I remember playing jazz classics on guitar with my father on piano when I was a teen. Many of my favorite artists during my formative years, like Frank Zappa,Donald Fagen (Steely Dan),and John McLaughlin, were jazz pioneers. Because of you and others like you, my musical horizons have expanded in recent years to include Thelonius Monk, Miles Davis,Chuck Mingus,John Coltrane,Herbie Hancock,Wayne Shorter,JoePass, and so many others! My musical compositions and playing style reflect this.It's an exciting time for me, musically.
I’m very proud and thankful to have met and played with some of the finest musicians, anywhere, and to be able to call them my friends. I'm equally proud to support the Jazz Composer's Forum! I encourage others in the
community to do the same.
Sincerely,Jonathan Pearlman, guitarist
Asheville, NC

February 16th, 2005

Thanks a lot to Sharon LaMotte for all her hard work putting these shows together.
Last weekend she opened her home to my band for a rehearsal, fed us coffee, and she does this regularly for Composers Forum artists.
The Jazz Composers Forum is a non-profit organization that has been bringing (really) good jazz to Asheville. I've heard both my favorite drummer ever and favorite pianist EVER at these shows. If you haven't been to one of these shows, please come on out....I guarantee some good music.
Aaron Price, multi-instrumentalist

Asheville, NC