The winners of the 12th edition of UK's Parliamentary Jazz Awards were announced on May 10 at a ceremony held at the Terrace Pavilion of London's House of Commons.
The awards honored a wide range of emerging and established artists. They were voted for by the public online with a shortlist of nominations chosen by a panel of jazz industry figures and with the All Party Parliamentary Jazz Appreciation Group subsequently selecting the final winners.
The award for Jazz Album of the Year went to saxophonist Julian Argüelles for his South African inspired record
Let It Be Told. Emilia Mårtensson won Best Vocalist of the Year while pianist Alexander Hawkins received the top prize in the Instrumentalist of the Year category. Other highlights include Binker and Moses winning the award for Jazz Newcomer of the Year and Empirical picking up the Jazz Ensemble of the Year prize.
Mary Greig, the editor of the long running listings freesheet
Jazz in London, which ceased publication in April after 40 years of continuous production, was honored with the Services to Jazz Award. Special awards were also presented to saxophonist Evan Parker and co-chair of the All Party Parliamentary Jazz Appreciation, Michael Connarty.
Ronnie Scott's All-Stars provided music at the ceremony, which featured vocalists Claire Martin and Jacqui Dankworth, clarinettist Arun Ghosh and several Members of Parliament as guest presenters.
