So who will be the toast of the first ever Jazz FM awards on Thursday? Well, of course it’s not the winning but the taking part that counts, or at least that’s what the lucky losers might well say. Beyond the results it’s a much needed opportunity to boost the profile of the vibrant UK jazz scene with a major awards, the first new initiative of a high impact nature such as this since the BBC Jazz Awards were cancelled.
We do know already that Ramsey Lewis will be presented with a gold award for outstanding contribution to jazz, while Ahmad Jamal will pick up the lifetime achievement award before bringing the evening to a close with a special performance in central London venue One Marylebone, where the awards are taking place. There’s a public vote (now closed) for UK jazz artist of the year, so presumably this will go to the artist who can draw on the biggest fan base, particularly the online massive, and with various fan sites and a big radio audience, I would guess Jamie Cullum should pick up the public seal of appreciation with some ease. International jazz artist is a trickier call, but a very popular and appropriate winner would be Sonny Rollins whose appearance at the London Jazz Festival in recent years has underlined the stature of a saxophonist who for many has always been primus inter pares.
Cutting Edge is also tough to predict, and Django Bates would be a popular choice as too would Robert Glasper, while Troyka, who have spearheaded the nascent prog jazz movement since the band’s inception, would be a major boost. With the resurgence in jazz vocals and the sheer joy he’s brought to the UK jazz scene in recent years I really hope Gregory Porter wins in the best album category for Be Good, and it would be fitting if Jazzwise, who have been behind the singer from the start, wins in the jazz media category.
Best UK Newcomer should go to everyone’s favourite Mancunian big band Beats & Pieces, although Roller Trio fresh from an award winning 2012 are also in with a strong shout. Will host for the evening Ian Shaw scoop vocalist of the year? Well, he’s got an excellent chance especially since 2012 saw the release of one of his finest albums in an often distinguished career, the Fran Landesman tribute album A Ghost In Every Bar. Instrumentalist of the year is almost impossible to call and all three nominees, Nathaniel Facey, Ivo Neame, and Phil Robson, are in with a decent chance. I’d like the constantly inventive Nathaniel Facey to win it although I was deeply impressed by Neame’s octet album Yatra last year as well, and Phil Robson is a guitarist, composer and bandleader of some clout.
Live shows of the year? Well it could be Gregory Porter triumphing again for his much talked about club shows at Pizza Express Jazz Club, but surprise nominee PB Underground with their high octane Tower of Power-like energy might be a surprise winner, while no one is going to rule out the consistently excellent Phronesis. Jazz venue of the year is a hard call. It’s a pity that the Vortex wasn’t among the nominations, especially with lively outdoor events adding to the mix at the Dalston club this year. But for sheer high profile class this accolade must surely go to Ronnie Scott’s. Don’t rule out the north’s premier jazz club Band on the Wall though.
Stephen Graham
More on the awards at www.jazzfmawards.com