The Scottish Jazz Awards, which celebrate Scotland’s vibrant jazz scene and honour its musical talent, has revealed the nominees for its 8th edition.

The public now have until 5pm on Monday, 5 October to vote for their favourite musicians across five coveted categories including Rising Star, Best Vocalist and Best Band and Edinburgh’s Colin Steele is among the nominees.

A panel of industry specialists, including media, press and promoters from across the UK, have carefully selected the shortlist and it’s now up to the public to decide who scoops which Scottish Jazz award. 

The winners will be crowned during a virtual ceremony on Sunday, 18 October 2020 which will include special guests and exclusive live performances.

Scottish Jazz Awards 2019, Drygate Glasgow, Georgia Cécile winner of Best Vocalist Award

Jill Rodger, Director of Glasgow Jazz Festival and Producer of the Scottish Jazz Awards, said: “The Scottish Jazz Awards are a chance for us to stop each year and recognise some of the most revered jazz musicians on the scene and the contribution they make to the musical landscape in Scotland. This feels particularly poignant this year during what has been a challenging time for so many musicians, festivals and suppliers so I would encourage everyone to get behind the acts and cast their vote. 

“Although we can’t celebrate in person, we’re excited to be bringing the first virtual Scottish Jazz Awards ceremony to everyone which we hope will be a fitting and memorable celebration of jazz in Scotland.”

Nominations for the 8th Scottish Jazz Awards are:

Rising Star Award sponsored by Musicians’ Union

  • Anoushka Nanguy
  • Harry Weir
  • Liam Shortall
  • Matt Carmichael
  • Rebecca Vasmant

Best Vocalist Award sponsored by Whighams Jazz Club

  • Ali Affleck
  • Christine Bovill
  • Emilie Boyd
  • Kitti
  • Luca Manning
  • Rachel Lightbody

Best Band Award sponsored by Love Supreme Jazz Festival

  • Colin Steele Quartet
  • Corto Alto
  • Fat-Suit
  • Fergus McCreadie Trio
  • Graham Costello’s Strata
  • Mezcla

Best Instrumentalist Award sponsored by ESP Music Rentals

  • Colin Steele
  • Fergus McCreadie
  • John Burgess
  • Liam Shortall
  • Martin Kershaw
  • Paul Harrison

Best Album Award sponsored by Birnam CD

  • Brian Kellock – Bidin’ My Time
  • Cafolla – Cowboys & Africans
  • Calum Gourlay Quartet – New Ears
  • Corto Alto – Live From 435 Vols 1, 2 & 3
  • Luca Manning with Fergus McCreadie – When The Sun Comes Out
  • Mezcla – Shoot The Moon

Two further award winners will be chosen by the panel including the Services To Scottish Jazz Award sponsored by Ticketmaster which celebrates those working behind the scenes in the industry.

The Lifetime Achievement Award in association with Help Musicians Scotland will also be presented on the night. Previous winners include Martin Taylor, Fionna Duncan, Carol Kidd, Bobby Wellins, Tam White and Ronnie Rae.

The Scottish Jazz Awards are produced as an independent event by the organisers of Glasgow Jazz Festival and supported by the National Lottery through Creative Scotland.

To vote in the 8th Scottish Jazz Awards visit www.jazzfest.co.uk/awards. Voting closes at 5pm on Monday, 5 October

The 2020 Scottish Jazz Awards will be streamed online at 6pm on Sunday, 18 October via the Glasgow Jazz Festival My Player channel.

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