One of the highlights of the 2025 DC JazzFest is the DC JazzPrix now in its tenth year of recognizing and supporting top emerging jazz ensembles.
Earlier today, José Luiz Martins, led by pianist-keyboardist José Luiz Martins, featuring flautist-vocalist Alex Hamburger, bassist Romeir Mendez, and drummer Dana Hawkins, won this year's competition at Union Stage.
WBGO's Dave Popkin spoke with pianist-keyboardist José Luiz Martins and his wife and flautist-vocalist Alex Hamburger following the exciting DC JazzPrix.
José Luiz Martins says much of music performed on Saturday came from his catalog of albums, the fourth of which Odyssey Mixtape released on Origin Records on April 18th, 2025.
"That's what we aim for, trying new sounds. I'm super happy playing with amazing musicians Alex, Romeir and Dana. They are brave and accept the challenge and open their hearts. I'm super pumped."
Hamburger was thrilled that she and her bandmates were able to win the JazzPrix.
"It was such a great crowd and all the bands were so incredible. Everyone just had such warm great energy. It was a really special moment.
The winning band received a $15,000 grand prize, a mainstage performance at DC JazzFest 2026. José Luiz Martins band will also begin a yearlong association with the DC Jazz Festival including customized business development and career technical assistance.
The other finalists in the competition were:
- Friendship (New York, NY) - Led by Canadian pianist Jenny Xu, with bassist Ben Friedman and drummer Kofi Shepsu
- Dave Meder New American Hymnal Quartet (Denton, TX) - Led by pianist Dave Meder, with trumpeter Philip Dizak, bassist Marty Jaffe, and drummer Michael Piolet
- The Smoogies (Delray Beach, FL) - Featuring keyboardist-vocalist Vaughn Henry, bassist Dion Kerr, and the double drums of David Chiverton and Harvel Nakundi
