All-star concert honours ‘frustrated jazz musician’ Bill Clinton for his jazz advocacy

Former President Bill Clinton is speaking out on behalf of “frustrated jazz musicians” like himself.

Clinton, a saxophone player, was presented the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz’s honorary Founder’s Award at an all-star concert Sunday night in Los Angeles that included performances by Pharrell Williams and John Mayer as well as jazz stars Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter.

Clinton said he supports the Monk Institute’s efforts to introduce jazz programs in schools, joking that “sometimes frustrated jazz musicians end up with another life that works out pretty well.”

Trumpeter Marquis Hill of Chicago was declared the winner of the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition.