Stars unite for jazz awards

LONDON, UK (Jazz Online Magazine) - Stars from the world of jazz have been honoured at a glittering ceremony hosted by Courtney Pine. Among the artists picking up awards were trombonist Chris Barber, who was given a jazz heritage award, and Hugh Masekela, who picked up the best international artist award.
The first of two lifetime achievement awards was shared by husband and wife team Cleo Laine and John Dankworth.
Dankworth, a conductor, saxophonist and clarinetist, has been performing to great acclaim for more than 40 years, while Grammy-winning Laine has entertained with her voice in jazz, classical and popular genres for just as long.

The event was held at Queen Elizabeth Hall in London's South Bank Centre, where performances were given by many of the winning artists.

Fusion

Saxophonist Pine was given the role of hosting the event after picking up an award at the inaugural BBC Jazz Awards in 2001.

Pine passed the baton for best band onto the nine-piece dance group Jazz Jamaica All Stars, formed by Gary Crosby in 1991. Their unique blend of fusion, ska, reggae and jazz beat off stiff competition from the Guy Barker Septet.
Barker has just been unveiled as a nominee for the prestigious Mercury Music Prize for his Soundtrack album.

The best vocalist award went to New Yorker Stacey Kent.
The singer, who trained at London's Guildhall School of Music, has toured the world with various big bands and was handed a residency at the Ritz Hotel.

Rising star

The best CD of the year award was presented to Brian Kellock for Live at Henry's.
He faced competition from the Jazz Jamaica All Stars and Alan Barnes and Dave Newton.

The rising star award was won by Londoner Soweto Kinch, who was recognised as an artist showing great potential for the future.
He is gaining his experience from working with some of the biggest names in new jazz including Tomorrow's Warriors and Gary Crosby's No Troop.

The second lifetime achievement award of the evening went to Stan Tracey, a pianist and composer who has been on the scene for more than six decades.

The best new work award went to John Taylor for the Green Man Suite.

Among those presenting awards were Humphrey Lyttleton, Mark Knopfler, Kenneth Clarke and Moira Stuart.