Stars line up for Jazz FM Awards
Don Was, Blue Note Records, Ringo Starr, Beverley Knight, Jacob Collier, Quincy Jones, Sons of Kemet, dodie, Simon Mayo, Makaya McCraven, BBC’s Dead Ringers, Steve Levine, Swing Out Sister, and Nubya Garcia were among those who featured in last night’s Jazz FM Awards 2019.
It was hosted by Jazz FM presenters Chris Philips and Jez Nelson at Shoreditch Town Hall in East London and coincided with UNESCO’S International Jazz Day.
Don Was and Blue Note Records collected the prestigious PPL Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising the label’s supreme contribution to jazz history for the past eight decades.
Was, also known for his production work with pop and rock stars including the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Elton John, and Bonnie Raitt, has been the label’s President since 2012 and played a tremendous role in its continued prosperity into the 21st century.
Ringo Starr was on hand to congratulate his good friend and collaborator, saying: “You’ve played on a lot of my tracks over the years… Congratulations, I’m sure you’re all having a great night. Peace and love – you deserve it, love you Don!”
Simon Mayo presented 2-time Grammy-winner Jacob Collier with the PRS For Music Gold Award.
Collier’s manager Quincey Jones sent a special message to him: “My dear brother Jacob Collier, it is such an honour to have you as a member of our QJP [Quincy Jones Productions] family, and I couldn’t be prouder of all that you’ve accomplished at your age brother.
“I have socks older than you! It has been an absolutely beautiful journey to witness your growth over the past few years, and the only direction you can go from here is up… Sending my big love and props for being awarded with the Jazz FM Gold Award… Keep on kicking on brother, YOLO!”
Other memorable moments from the night included an emotional tribute to the late Aretha Franklin from Beverley Knight, who brought the house down with her powerful version of “(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman”.
The public voted Nubya Garcia as the UK Jazz Act of the Year and Sons of Kemet won Album of the Year for the critically-acclaimed ‘Your Queen Is A Reptile’.
BBC’s celebrated political sketch show Dead Ringers made a comical appearance with Lewis MacLeod and Duncan Wisbey presenting Sons of Kemet their award as President Trump and Jools Holland.
The evening closed with a performance from South London collective Steam Down, who were dual winners in the categories of The Innovation Award and Live Experience of the Year Award for their residency show featuring US jazz giant Kamasi Washington.
The band were joined on-stage by International Jazz Act of the Year winner Makaya McCraven, the Chicago-based drummer who has been pivotal in connecting thriving underground scenes from around the globe.
The full list of winners is as follows:
Breakthrough Act sponsored by GHS Global Hospitality
Cassie Kinoshi
The Digital Award sponsored by Oanda
Louis Cole
The Innovation Award sponsored by Mishcon De Reya
Steam Down
Instrumentalist Of The Year sponsored by Savile Row Gin
Jean Toussaint
International Jazz Act Of The Year sponsored by Lateralize
Makaya McCraven
Soul Act Of The Year sponsored by RCS
Poppy Ajudha
Blues Act Of The Year sponsored by British Airways
Eric Bibb
Vocalist Of The Year sponsored by Denbies
Cherise Adams-Burnett
UK Jazz Act (Public Vote) sponsored by Cambridge Audio
Nubya Garcia
Album Of The Year (Public Vote) sponsored by Arqiva
Sons Of Kemet – Your Queen Is A Reptile
Live Experience Of The Year (Public Vote) sponsored by Yamaha UK
Steam Down featuring Kamasi Washington
PRS for Music Gold Award
Jacob Collier
PPL Lifetime Achievement Award
Don Was and Blue Note Records
The Don is in the building! Jazz LEGEND and PPL Lifetime Achievement Award winner Don Was talks to Nigel Williams about signing Gregory Porter and becoming the President of @bluenoterecords at this years #JazzFMAwards pic.twitter.com/O04Ymtz7Pj
— Jazz FM (@jazzfm) April 30, 2019