WVAS serves as radio partner for the first Jazz Music Awards
Montgomery, AL – WVAS 90.7FM, the “Voice of Alabama State University”, serves as the radio partner for the inaugural Global Awards Ceremony, The Jazz Music Awards: Celebrating the Spirit of Jazz. This event will recognize individuals who have made – and continue to make – lasting contributions to this uniquely American art form. The finalists in each category are the result of the first round of entries submitted during the eligibility period of April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022. These well-deserved honors will be presented at the Jazz Music Awards ceremony, scheduled for Saturday, October 22, 2022, at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center in Atlanta, GA.
The Lifetime Achievement Award will go to saxophonist and composer Wayne Shorter, and the Jazz Legend Award will go to the family of the late pianist and composer McCoy Tyner. Among the outstanding jazz artists nominated for the awards are Alabama-based drummer/producer James “PJ” Spraggins (Song of the Year), The Baylor Project, Kenny Garrett, Christian McBride, Joey DeFrancesco and many more.
An added attraction during the Jazz Music Awards will be several live performances. These will include appearances from Grammy-winning artists such as Dee Dee Bridgewater, Ledisi, Lizz Wright and Jazzmeia Horn. All performances will be under the musical direction of NEA Jazz Master and recording artist and three-time Grammy Award-winning composer Terri Lyne Carrington, who serves as Musical Director and Co-Executive Producer of the Inaugural Ceremony.
The Jazz Music Awards recognize and amplify jazz as a dynamic cornerstone of all American music that has profoundly influenced American language, style, traditions and sounds, producing heroes and cultural phenomena. Wendy F. Williams is the creator and executive producer of the Jazz Music Awards, as well as the general manager of WVAS’ sister station, Jazz 91.9 WCLK. The Jazz Music Awards is a nonprofit division of Jazz 91.9 WCLK at Clark University in Atlanta.
“WVAS is honored to serve as the radio partner for this penultimate experience,” said Candy Capel, WVAS Station Manager. “As soon as we were approached by WCLK, we knew we wanted to be part of this historic event.”
Complete event and ticket information is available at www.wvasfm.org. Tickets are on sale now.
The 2022 Jazz Music Awards winners and nominees:
The Lifetime Achievement Award – Wayne Shorter
Distinction Award – Jazz Innovator Award – Ambrose Akinmusire
Distinction Award – Jazz Composer Award – Henry Threadgill
Distinction Award – Jazz Teacher Award –
Dr Lenora Z Helm Hammonds
The Jazz Legend Award – McCoy Tyner
The Jazz Impact Award – James H. Patterson
Best Mainstream Artist
Joey DeFrancesco – More Music
Kenny Garrett – Sounds of Ancestors
Christian McBride & Inside Straight – Live at the Village Vanguard
Brandee Younger – somewhere different
Best Contemporary Artist
Brian Bromberg – A Little Driving Music
Ben Tankard – SHINE!
Lindsey Webster – “I Didn’t Mean It” (Single Track)
Ragan Whiteside – “Off the Cuff” (single track)
Best Duo, Group or Big Band (a tie in this category)
The Baylor Project – Generations
Jazzmeia Horn and her noble strength – Dear love
Christian McBride & Inside – Straight Live At the Village Vanguard
Count Basie Orchestra – Live At Birdland (conducted by Scotty Barnhart)
Kevin Eubanks and Orrin Evans- EEE (Eubanks-Evans-Experience)
Best New Jazz Artist
Simon Moullier – Countdown
Julieta Engenio – Jump
Kazemde George – I insist
Samara Joy – Samara Joy
Best Vocal Performance
The Baylor Project – Generations
Somi Dreaming – Zenzile
Stacey Kent – Songs From Other Places
Shawnn Monteiro – You Are There
Best Mainstream Album
The Baylor Project – Generations
Orrin Evans – The magic of the moment
Kenny Garrett – Sounds of Ancestors
Brandee Younger – somewhere different
Best Contemporary Album
Bob Baldwin – The Stay at Home Series, Volume 1
Brian Culbertson – The Red Trilogy
Sonny Emory – Soul Ascension
Gabriel Mark Hasselbach – Tongue & Groove
Song of the Year (Fan Vote)
Norman Brown – “Back At Ya” (single)
Brian Culbertson – “Feel the Love” (single)
Justin-Lee Schultz – “Gruv Kid” (single)
James “PJ” Spraggins – “Up From Here” (single)
