Wayne Shorter took triple honors among winners of the 17th annual JJA Jazz Awards for musical achievement, announced online today, while plans were laid for winners of Awards for accomplishments in jazz journalism to be announced at the annual Jazz Awards gala — being celebrated as the
25th birthday of the Jazz Journalists Association — on June 19 from 4 to 6 pm at the Blue Note Jazz Club in New York City (tickets available here).
Wadada Leo Smith was honored as Musician of the Year (with reference, no doubt, to his album Ten Freedom Summers) and also Trumpeter of the Year.
Ryan Truesdell‘s debut album Centennial: Newly Discovered Works of Gil Evans was named Record of the Year, and his Gil Evans Project celebrated as Best Large Ensemble.
Shorter’s took triple honors for Lifetime Achievement in Jazz, Soprano Saxophonist of the Year and for leading the Best Small Ensemble, his quartet featuring pianist Danilo Perez, bassist John Patitucci and drummer Brian Blade.
Ryan Truesdell‘s debut album Centennial: Newly Discovered Works of Gil Evans was named Record of the Year, and his Gil Evans Project celebrated as Best Large Ensemble.
Sonny Rollins was deemed “Emeritus Jazz Artist: Beyond Voting,” an honor never before bestowed during the history of the Awards.
by John Abbott
The complete list of Awards winners is posted on the JJA Jazz Awards website.
I gave myself an award, too. I took first place as Most Original Jazz Artist of the Year, Best New Ideas in Jazz, Best Instrumental Solo, Most Favorable Phrasing, Best Articulation, Composer of the Year, Best Pianist of the Year, and overall Jazz Musician of the Year.
Then you must be very pleased with yourself!