Nominees unveiled for 2023 Scottish Jazz Awards as public vote opens

The public vote opens from 12 noon on Monday 13 November, allowing fans of Scotland’s vibrant jazz scene to decide which of the shortlisted stars will be honoured at the glittering ceremony. The public will have until 5pm on Wednesday 29 November to voice their support for who they think deserves to win.

Since their inception, The Scottish Jazz Awards have become a hallmark event on the Scottish cultural calendar, recognising and honouring contributions to the genre from some of Scotland’s finest vocalists and instrumentalists, while inspiring gifted newcomers to the scene. 

A carefully selected shortlist of over 20 musicians and acts across five categories has been chosen by a panel of industry specialists, including media, press and promoters from across the UK, alongside last year’s winners who were ineligible to be nominated in the same category.

Jill Rodger, Director of Glasgow Jazz Festival and Producer of the Scottish Jazz Awards, said: "The Scottish Jazz Awards are a true calendar highlight for us each year as we celebrate Scotland’s musical prowess, and the 2023 nominee line-up perfectly showcases the exceptional jazz talent we have right here at home. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the nominees who have truly earned their place in the spotlight. Now is an exciting time for jazz enthusiasts across the country, as we invite the public to cast their votes in the weeks ahead and have their say on who deserves to take home each prize."

Alan Morrison, Head of Music at Creative Scotland, said: “Scotland’s jazz scene has always been a jewel in the country’s musical crown and there’s no doubt that its fire has been burning even more brightly in recent years. Every category at the 2023 Scottish Jazz Awards is solid proof of that. As the nominees are unveiled, music fans can now add their voices to this annual celebration of exceptional talent by casting a vote for their favourite live performers and recorded releases.”

Nominations for the 2023 Scottish Jazz Awards are: 

Rising Star Award, sponsored by Musicians’ Union

•     Ben Shankland
•     Ewan Johnston
•     Gaia Jeannot
•     Kimberley Tessa
•     Nathan Somevi

The Fionna Duncan Best Vocalist Award, sponsored by Whighams Jazz Club

•     
•     Georgia Cecile
•     Louise Dodds
•     Marianne McGregor
•     Rachel Lightbody

Best Instrumentalist Award, sponsored by ESP Music Rentals

•     Calum Gourlay
•     Ewan Hastie
•     Liam Shortall
•     Matt Carmichael
•     Norman Willmore

Best Album Award, sponsored by Birnam CD 

•     Confluence - Sean Gibbs
•     Golden Sands - Helena Kay’s KIM Trio
•     Marram - Matt Carmichael
•     Outwith The Circle - Paul Towndrow
•     Sure Of You - Georgia Cecile & Fraser Urquhart

Best Band Award, sponsored by Pizza Express

•     corto.alto
•     Fergus McCreadie Trio
•     Mama Terra
•     Matt Carmichael Quintet
•     Tom McGuire & The Brassholes

The Best Vocalist Award has been renamed in honour of the late jazz singer Fionna Duncan, who sadly passed away last year. Fionna made great contributions to the Scottish jazz scene with her impeccable vocals and infectious enthusiasm for the music, and was a previous recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award.

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.

The Scottish Jazz Awards will be held at the Savings Bank in Glasgow on Thursday 7th December. To vote in this year’s awards, please visit www.jazzfest.co.uk/awards. Voting closes at 5pm on Wednesday 29 November.