From both of us here in the jazz department, we would like to thank you for your constant support over the last twelve months and, as always, encourage you to get in touch with your thoughts as to our award-winners — plus any suggestions you may have of your own! Stay tuned for another promising year of musical features, interviews and much, much more. 

Jazz Recording of the Year - Winners

Cécile McLorin Salvant - Mélusine  

"Featuring a tantalising mixture of originals and interpretations with some dating as far back as the twelfth century, this record is a sumptuous cultural amalgamation of the stellar vocalist's wide-ranging interests." 

Lakecia Benjamin - Phoenix 

"The title of this saxophonist and composer’s album couldn’t be more apt; quite literally rising from the ashes of trauma, her new album finds strength in her recovery."

https://www.prestomusic.com/jazz/articles/5104--recording-of-the-week-lakecia-benjamin-phoenix" rel="nofollow - Read our full review of Phoenix here...

Mette Henriette - Drifting  

"Her sophomore effort succinctly captures this cross-disciplinary artist’s talents in one organic blend whilst delivering a delicate sense of intensity through its intuitive use of saxophone, cello and piano."  

Cecilie Strange - Beyond 

"Always moving forward, the Danish saxophonist develops her sound as she leads her quartet in balancing sombre and contemplative moods with a delicate intensity of emotional feeling." 

Walter Smith III - return to casual  

​

Best Archive/Reissue Release - Winner

Joy - Joy (1976) 

"The album's persistent energy reminds present-day listeners that the essence of British jazz was neither gone nor forgotten, but rather survived in the hotbed of its own self-renewing capacity, crouching for the employment of those who sought it out."

https://www.prestomusic.com/jazz/articles/5311--recording-of-the-week-joy-joy-1976" rel="nofollow - Read our full review of Joy (1976) here...

Label of the Year - Winner

Edition Records 

With every new release a complete left-turn from the one preceding it, Dave Stapleton's label is about as eclectic as they come. Each album is a treat to behold, effortlessly going from strength to strength as it combines world-class music with top-of-the-range artwork and imagery. ​

https://www.prestomusic.com/jazz/labels/3982--edition-records" rel="nofollow - Explore the latest releases from Edition Records here...

Newcomer in Jazz - Winner

Emma Rawicz  

The name on everybody's lips at the moment, Emma is one of the nation's fastest rising stars, having already received rapturous acclaim from the likes of Jamie Cullum and Jazzwise Magazine. A natural born performer, she had already become a routine fixture on the bill at Ronnie Scott's by the time her second album Chroma was released earlier this year. 

Barney Whittaker