| Subject: Jazzy Jeff gets props in his town(new interview) |
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Tim
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Date Posted: 12:28:55 05/07/02 Tue
Posted on Wed, May. 01, 2002
Jazzy Jeff Townes gets props in his town
By DAMON C. WILLIAMS
williadc@phillynews.com
Jazzy Jeff, hometown legend and DJ icon, can now add a new piece of hardware to his mantle.
"Jazzy Jeff" Townes is this year's recipient of the Philadelphia Chapter of the Recording Academy's Heroes Award, given to musicians who "have improved the environment for the creative community."
In receiving this award, the Academy has recognized Townes for both his musical and community contributions.
"It's an honor, and I'm extremely happy," Jeff said. "But I don't know if I do real well with awards, because I'm not done yet. I'm extremely driven, and sometimes, I don't take a minute to think about it, because I don't want there to be a lull."
It can be argued that Jeff's next career lull will be his first. Through his Touch of Jazz production company, Jeff and his team of producers have worked with a plethora of hit makers, including Jill Scott and Bilal.
"I love the Philadelphia sound," Jeff said. "It's one of the reasons I stayed. With the surge of Philly acts in the '70s, it was only a matter of time before it came back. I just wanted to dig myself in."
That, along with playing to packed crowds during his intense and exhaustive international touring schedule, has left Townes with a full plate, but he still finds time to recognize and tutor local talent.
"Right now, probably the first time since the '70s, there's an extreme spotlight on Philly," Townes said.
"Everyone wants to know what's in our water. Is it the water ice? The cheesesteaks? What is it that makes the Philly sound so rich and unique?"
So what's next for this innovative deejay?
"My album will drop in late July, the single in early May," Townes said.
"It features a lot of local artists. I have Shawn from Boyz II Men. And J-Live. I did Roy Ayers' 'We Live in Brooklyn' over with Jill [Scott] and called it 'We Live in Philly,' and Jill gives a real descriptive walk through Philly.
"It covers any base you can imagine." *
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