On Saturday, October 22, the first annual Jazz Music Awards were held at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta, Ga. In a ceremony hosted Dee Dee Bridgewater and actor Delroy Lindo, awards were given out in eight categories. (The complete list of winners is below.) Organized by Wendy F. Williams and WCLK FM, the night featured performances by The Baylor Project, Dianne Reeves, Lizz Wright, Jazzmeia Horn, Ledisi, Somi, Orrin Evans, Tia Fuller, Brandee Younger and Kenny Garrett. Wayne Shorter was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award, which he accepted in a pre-recorded video. Music director Terri Lyne Carrington led a house All-Star band featuring Evans, James Genus, Mark Whitfield, Marcus Strickland, Braxton Cook, Milena Casado, Ray Angry, Nikki Glaspie and Kassa Overall.
List of awards:
Best New Artist
Samara Joy
Best Contemporary Artist
Ragan Whiteside
Best Mainstream Artist
Christian McBride & Inside Straight
Best Vocal Performance (TIE)
Somi Zenzile: The Reimagination of Miriam Makeba
Stacey Kent Songs From Other Places
Best Duo, Group, or Big Band
Christian McBride & Inside Straight
Best Contemporary Album
Bob Baldwin
Best Mainstream Album (TIE)
Orrin Evans The Magic of Now (Album)
Kenny Garrett Sounds From The Ancestors (Album)
Song of the Year (Fan Vote)
Norman Brown “Back At Ya” (Single)
