Legends of Jazz Ramsey Lewis and Ahmad Jamal will join stars Cerys Matthews, Suggs and Courtney Pine on the red carpet at the Jazz FM Music Awards on Thursday 31st January.
Kicking off the awards season for 2013 is Europe’s largest jazz music awards, the Jazz FM Awards Powered by Klipsch.
At an evening which celebrates the creativity, innovation and vision of the best in jazz, the ceremony will bring together a stunning range of talent, making it one of the most exciting nights in the showbiz calendar. Attending the evening will be international piano legends Ramsey Lewis and Ahmad Jamal plus plenty of new and home-grown talent.
Jazz FM’s Ian Shaw has been chosen to host the exclusive bash at One Marylebone on 31st January. The radio host and musician is also a nominee and set to perform.
THE inaugural Jazz FM awards will honour two artists who have had a huge impact on not only the jazz world, but the whole music industry. Up first to accept an award will be iconic pianist and groove merchant Ramsey Lewis who will accept the Gold Award for Outstanding Contribution to Jazz, before treating guests to a performance. Another legend set to grace the stage is pianist Ahmad Jamal whose innovations influenced the young Miles Davis and have captivated generations of jazz fans since. Jamal will collect the Lifetime Achievement award before closing the show with a 20 minute set which will feature a much-anticipated surprise collaboration.
The star studded night will also see Suggs from the band Madness and Courtney Pine presenting awards, and singer Cerys Matthews join the Jazz FM Awards House Band for a number.
The London Youth Gospel Choir will get the night of live music underway when they perform for the guests at the drinks reception.
Jazz FM is the most listened to jazz station in the world and launched the awards in 2012 to celebrate the work of jazz musicians, composers and contributors from across the globe.
Nominees
UK Jazz Artist of the Year
Neil Cowley Trio
Jamie Cullum
Troyka
International Jazz Artist
Kurt Elling
Brad Mehldau
Sonny Rollins
Cutting Edge Award for Jazz Innovation
Django Bates
Robert Glasper
Troyka
Album of the Year
Robert Glasper: Black Radio
Keith Jarrett: Sleeper
Pat Metheny: Unity Band
Gregory Porter: Be Good
John Surman: Saltash Bells
Ryan Truesdell: Centenial (Newly Discovered Works of Gil Evans)
Jazz Media
AllAboutJazz .com (website)
Do The Math (website of Ethan Iverson of The Bad Plus)
Jazzwise (magazine)
Best UK Newcomer
Beats & Pieces Big Band
Josh Arcoleo
Roller Trio
UK Vocalist of the year
Carleen Anderson
Liane Carroll
Ian Shaw
UK Instrumentalist of the Year
Nathaniel Facey (saxophonist with Empirical)
Ivo Neame (pianist with Phronesis)
Phil Robson
Live UK Shows of the Year
Phronesis
Gregory Porter
PB Underground
Best UK Jazz Venue
Band on the Wall
Café Oto
Ronnie Scott’s
[Reporter: Vivian Summers]