OK, I can go along with the fact that in the Corporate world and in much of society as a whole, there are still issues for women in the area of equality. In Jazz, currently I would disagree with your statement. There are a plethora of women in Jazz today that excell in this field. I was privileged enough to attend Berklee College of Music in Boston and play Jazz with some of the greats. I was privileged to go to school with one lady who is a Jazz guitarist. Immensly talented, had perfect pitch ( disgusting :) and is one of the few guitar players who is unknown today, ( by choice) I would send into a studio cold and never flinch.

There are certainly great women in Jazz, toshiko Akioshi, Diana Krall, Ladies of the Manhattan Transfer ( wonderful vocalists),Candy Dolfer all great ladies. On the other hand. I personally have issues with Winford Marsalis. He at one time made the statement that "white people can not play jazz". He went on to explain that it was a cultural issue. So I would assume from the statement that you made that not only is he partially racist but also a sexist. This would not surprise me of this man.

Music is a heavenly thing. There are few mediums that you can express yourself through where anyone can join in, and the music bonds you together, in a mystical humanitarian joy. Drawing lines in the sand that divide us in contrary to what music is all about.

Just my thoughts :)

Kuma