Maria Schneider is not shy. The celebrated jazz composer/conductor -- who grew up in Windom, earned a music degree from University of Minnesota and settled in New York -- collected her fourth Grammy Monday in the pre-telecast.
But she seized the moment and instead of celebrating her victory for best large jazz ensemble record inspired by land in southwestern Minnesota (the album is "The Thompson Fields" by the Maria Schneider Orchestra), she launched into a speech about artists owning their own rights – music, recordings and fan base. Her album was handled by Artist Share.
"We make the music and we hold the cards," Schneider said at the end of her mini-sermon. "It's our future to either give away or keep."
Schneider is nominated for another Grammy this year – for best arrangement with instruments and vocals, for "Sue," her collaboration with David Bowie.
