爵士乐登上王位：以斯拉集体 (Ezra Collective) 荣获著名的水星奖

Could Jazz Finally Conquer the Mercury Prize?

爵士乐最终能夺得水星奖吗？

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 年水星奖授予了 Ezra Collective，这标志着爵士乐在这项著名音乐比赛中的分水岭时刻。这支曾被视为“象征性的爵士乐表演”的伦敦五重奏组合，克服了困难，让行业专家和博彩爱好者大吃一惊。

Is the Jazz Genre Destined for the Back Seat?

爵士乐流派注定要退居后座吗？

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.

几十年来，水星奖一直是提升英国和爱尔兰音乐水平的平台，通常以一张象征性的爵士乐专辑和商业重量级专辑为特色。但很少有人相信爵士乐会夺得最高奖项。 Ezra Collective 本身似乎已经接受了自己的失败者身份，穿着相配的迷彩服来到仪式现场。

A Surprise Victory or a Giant Killing?

意外的胜利还是巨大的杀戮？

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 的胜利绝非侥幸。他们在阿波罗节上激动人心的“胜利之舞”表演展示了他们非凡的音乐才能，证明他们可以击败许多更成熟的竞争对手。

Bridging the Mainstream Divide

弥合主流分歧

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.

尽管 Ezra Collective 有着爵士乐根源，但它与主流音乐世界有着密切的联系。乐队领队 Femi Koleoso 为 Gorillaz 担任鼓手，并与 Jorja Smith 合作。 Emeli Sandé 和奥斯卡获奖导演 Steve McQueen 客串了他们的获奖专辑。

A Shortlist Full of Surprises

充满惊喜的入围名单

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.

今年的水星奖入围名单令人耳目一新，多样化，避免了困扰过去几届的偶尔的说教主义。其他潜在获奖者包括洛伊尔·卡纳（Loyle Carner）和弗雷德·再次（Fred Again），他的专辑探讨了混血儿成长的复杂性，他对舞曲的亲密诠释捕捉了大流行后的情绪。

The Vital Role of Youth Music Organizations

青年音乐组织的重要作用

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 的胜利凸显了像“Tomorrow's Warriors”这样的青年音乐组织的重要性，这些组织培养了一代才华横溢的爵士音乐家。科莱奥索呼吁反对学校音乐教育的衰落，这与这些项目的变革力量产生了共鸣。

Proof in the Pudding

布丁中的证据

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.

阿波罗舞台所散发出的喜悦证明了这些组织的影响力。他们让贫困的年轻人相信自己，并克服一切困难，向世界证明他们值得胜利。 Ezra Collective 的胜利提醒我们，即使面对逆境，音乐的力量也能获胜。