爵士樂登上王位：以斯拉集體 (Ezra Collective) 榮獲著名的水星獎

Could Jazz Finally Conquer the Mercury Prize?

爵士樂最終能奪得水星獎嗎？

The 2023 Mercury Prize has been awarded to Ezra Collective, marking a watershed moment for jazz in the prestigious music competition. The London quintet, once dismissed as the "token jazz act," defied the odds, leaving industry pundits and betting enthusiasts with egg on their faces.

2023 年水星獎授予了 Ezra Collective，這標誌著爵士樂在這項著名音樂比賽中的分水嶺時刻。這支曾被視為「象徵性的爵士樂表演」的倫敦五重奏組合，克服了困難，讓行業專家和博彩愛好者大吃一驚。

Is the Jazz Genre Destined for the Back Seat?

爵士樂流派注定要退居後座嗎？

For decades, the Mercury Prize has been a platform for elevating British and Irish music, often featuring a token jazz album alongside commercial heavyweights. But few believed that jazz would ever claim the top prize. Ezra Collective themselves seemed resigned to their underdog status, arriving at the ceremony in matching camouflage.

幾十年來，水星獎一直是提升英國和愛爾蘭音樂水平的平台，通常以一張象徵性的爵士樂專輯和商業重量級專輯為特色。但很少人相信爵士樂會奪得最高獎項。 Ezra Collective 本身似乎接受了自己的失敗者身份，穿著相配的迷彩服來到儀式現場。

A Surprise Victory or a Giant Killing?

意外的勝利還是巨大的殺戮？

Ezra Collective's triumph is no mere fluke. Their electrifying performance of "Victory Dance" at the Eventim Apollo showcased their extraordinary musicianship, proving that they could outplay many of their more established competitors.

Ezra Collective 的勝利絕非僥倖。他們在阿波羅節上激動人心的“勝利之舞”表演展示了他們非凡的音樂才能，證明他們可以擊敗許多更成熟的競爭對手。

Bridging the Mainstream Divide

彌合主流分歧

Despite their jazz roots, Ezra Collective has strong connections to the mainstream music world. Bandleader Femi Koleoso drums for Gorillaz and has collaborated with Jorja Smith. Their winning album features guest appearances from Emeli Sandé and Oscar-winning director Steve McQueen.

儘管 Ezra Collective 有著爵士樂根源，但它與主流音樂世界有著密切的聯繫。樂隊領隊 Femi Koleoso 為 Gorillaz 擔任鼓手，並與 Jorja Smith 合作。 Emeli Sandé 和奧斯卡獲獎導演 Steve McQueen 客串了他們的獲獎專輯。

A Shortlist Full of Surprises

充滿驚喜的入圍名單

This year's Mercury Prize shortlist was refreshingly diverse, avoiding the occasional didacticism that has plagued past editions. Other potential winners included Loyle Carner, whose album explored the complexities of growing up mixed race, and Fred Again, whose intimate take on dance music captured the post-pandemic mood.

今年的水星獎入圍名單令人耳目一新，多樣化，避免了困擾過去幾屆的偶爾的說教主義。其他潛在獲獎者包括洛伊爾·卡納（Loyle Carner）和弗雷德·再次（Fred Again），他的專輯探討了混血兒成長的複雜性，他對舞曲的親密詮釋捕捉了大流行後的情緒。

The Vital Role of Youth Music Organizations

青年音樂組織的重要作用

Ezra Collective's victory underscores the importance of youth music organizations like Tomorrow's Warriors, which has nurtured a generation of talented jazz musicians. Koleoso's call to arms against the decline of music education in schools resonates with the transformative power of these programs.

Ezra Collective 的勝利凸顯了像「Tomorrow's Warriors」這樣的青年音樂組織的重要性，這些組織培養了一代才華橫溢的爵士音樂家。科萊奧索呼籲反對學校音樂教育的衰落，這與這些計畫的變革力量產生了共鳴。

Proof in the Pudding

布丁中的證據

The joy radiating from the Apollo stage is a testament to the impact of these organizations. They empower underprivileged young people to believe in themselves and, against all odds, prove to the world that they are worthy of victory. Ezra Collective's triumph is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, the power of music can prevail.

阿波羅舞台所散發出的喜悅證明了這些組織的影響力。他們讓貧窮的年輕人相信自己，並克服一切困難，向世界證明他們值得勝利。 Ezra Collective 的勝利提醒我們，即使面對逆境，音樂的力量也能獲勝。