Scottish jazz talent honoured at annual awards
The exceptional talent within Scotland's burgeoning jazz scene was celebrated at the 9th Scottish Jazz Awards.
Article Source: Scottish Jazz Awards
Last Updated: 10 December 2021 11:59
Winners across seven categories, including Best Vocalist, Best Band and Rising Star, were honoured at Glasgow venue The Savings Bank as the event applauded stand out musical endeavours.
More than 2,000 public votes were cast for the nominees, while the Services To Scottish Jazz and Lifetime Achievement Awards were selected by a panel of industry specialists, including press and promoters from across the UK.
Winners of the 9th Scottish Jazz Awards are:
• Best Vocalist Award sponsored by Whighams Jazz Club - Marianne McGregor
• Best Instrumentalist Award sponsored by ESP Music Rentals - Laura Macdonald
• Rising Star Award sponsored by Musicians’ Union - Rachel Duns
• Best Band Award sponsored by Inhouse Event Productions - Rose Room
• Best Album Award sponsored by Birnam CD - Georgia Cecile, Only the Lover Sings
• Services to Scottish Jazz Award - Lindsay Robertson, Scottish National Jazz Orchestra (SNJO)
• Lifetime Achievement Award in association with Help Musicians Scotland - Richard Michael
It’s been an exciting year for the Scottish jazz community. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, 2019's Rising Star winner and this year’s Best Vocalist Marianne McGregor released her self-penned debut album Good Morning Warning, followed by a second release Standards covering her favourite jazz tracks.
Best Instrumentalist winner, saxophonist and teacher Laura Macdonald had an equally busy year playing concerts and jazz festivals across the country while also competing in BBC’s MasterChef, making it to the final four in the popular cookery competition.
Glasgow saxophonist Rachel Duns has gained experience playing jazz as a member of various youth bands including the National Youth Jazz Orchestra of Scotland, which contributed to her gaining a place studying jazz at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and has now earned her the title of Rising Star.
Best Band winners Rose Room have become one of Scotland’s leading ensembles with their 1930s ‘Hot Club’ standards, gypsy jazz favourites and self-penned originals. The quartet, who recently celebrated 10 years together, is fronted by violinist and vocalist Seonaid Aitken, who hosted the ceremony, alongside Jimmy Moon, Tam Gallagher and Conor Smith.
Jazz vocalist Georgia Cecile’s debut album Only the Lover Sings was released to great critical acclaim and praise from fans, reaching the top 10 of the UK jazz charts and has now picked up the prestigious Best Album Award.
Lindsay Robertson of the SNJO was honoured with the Services to Scottish Jazz Award in recognition of her many years managing the orchestra, as well as her work with Edinburgh Jazz Festival and Jazz From Scotland before her retirement.
Acclaimed pianist Richard Michael was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his varied career including his pioneering work with Fife Youth Jazz Orchestra where he has been influential in the development of many of Scotland’s finest musicians such as Calum Gourlay, Helena Kay, Fergus McCreadie and Kim Macari.
A popular broadcaster on BBC Radio Scotland’s Jazz Nights show since 2007, he has revealed to thousands of listeners the secrets of the jazz masters in his role as “Jazz Jargonbuster”. He is Honorary Professor of Jazz Piano at the University of St Andrews and spent many years spent as Head of Music in Beath High School. He joins previous winners Martin Taylor, Fionna Duncan, Carol Kidd, Ken Mathieson, Bobby Wellins, Tam White and Ronnie Rae in the Jazz Hall of Fame.
Jill Rodger, Director of Glasgow Jazz Festival and Producer of the Scottish Jazz Awards, said: “It’s been a wonderful year for jazz music in Scotland despite the challenges and it’s been inspiring to see the new heights reached and boundaries pushed within the scene. I’d like to congratulate all of our nominees and winners on their recognition at this year’s Scottish Jazz Awards - they are all fantastic ambassadors for Scottish jazz and it is inspiring to see so many women picking up trophies across the board this year.”
Alan Morrison, Head of Music at Creative Scotland: “Congratulations to all the 2021 Scottish Jazz Awards nominees and winners. This year’s awards highlight the increasing diversity of the Scottish jazz scene and how dedicated teachers and organisers play a vital role in its success. The winners in each and every category have produced outstanding artistic work that has clearly connected with audiences.”
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.
For more information visit: www.jazzfest.co.uk/awards/
Sponsored Links
Latest Renfrewshire News
Grab some Buddie Good Deals here in Paisley town centre this October!
Grab some Buddie Good Deals in Paisley town centre from Saturday 11th October until Saturday 25th October.
READ MORE
Loch Lomond Shores has got the October school holidays sorted
There's loads to see and do – from pet friendly days out to breakfast with dinosaurs, loch tours and much more!
READ MORE
Scottish Wedding Show turns up the heat as it returns to the SEC
Scotland's largest wedding showcase, The Scottish Wedding Show, returns to Glasgow this weekend, ready to welcome thousands of couples from across the country looking to plan their dream day!
READ MORE
Keela and Mountaineering Scotland launch new campaign
Keela, the Scottish outdoor clothing brand, and Mountaineering Scotland Launch ‘Within You’, an new three-month campaign, inspiring Confidence, Connection, and Adventure in the Outdoors!
READ MORE
Book Week Scotland 2025 programme announced
Scotland's national celebration of books, Book Week Scotland, returns from 17th to 23rd November and tickets are on sale now!
READ MORE
Dobbies donates Christmas trees to local communities
Dobbies Garden Centres is lifting community spirits this season with a Christmas tree donation across the country, in partnership with Needlefresh.
READ MORE
Football legends lace up for 150 mile charity walk inspired by Marcus Stewart, Stephen Darby and the late Doddie Weir
Former Celtic and Scotland football heroes to join ex-player with MND on 150-mile March of The Day to raise funds to help tackle the disease.
READ MORE
First winners announced for GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards
Amy MacDonald, Hue and Cry, Nathan Evans and The Saint PHNX Band, Skipinnish, Shay O'Dowd and James Emmanuel are among the first winners to be announced for the GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards!
READ MORE
Step into stories of Scotland this October with Living History
Scotland’s colourful past bursts to life this October as Historic Environment Scotland (HES) returns with its popular Living History programme for the school holidays.
READ MORE
Renfrewshire remembers mine workers with new memorial cairn
A memorial cairn and plaque has been unveiled in Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park to remember the men who lost their lives working in the Muirshiel Barytes Mine between 1942 and 1969.
READ MORE
Renfrewshire set for spectacular season of festive events
Renfrewshire is gearing up for another bumper season of fantastic festive events with an array of free, fun-filled activities for all!
READ MORE
Autumn events at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection
Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed for cosy coastal retreats and joyful pre-festive celebrations.
READ MORE
Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week launches to inspire the nation with Find Your Fit campaign
The Scottish Government's Women and Girls in Sport Week launches this week, celebrating the power of movement and encouraging women and girls of all ages to get active in ways that work for them.
READ MORE
Unlimited adventures for less than a tank of petrol
With the October school holidays fast approaching, ScotRail has unveiled a new, affordable way for families to make the most of the break!
READ MORE
Seachdain na Gaidhlig (World Gaelic Week) 2026 launches with rallying call to use it, or lose it
Seachdain na Gàidhlig will return in 2026, under the banner Use It or Lose It – and organisers are encouraging people across Scotland and the global diaspora to get behind the rallying cry.
READ MORE
Brits brewing up a storm: Macdonald Hotels reports coffee surge
Brits are now picking up the cafetière, with Macdonald Hotels & Resorts revealing a 10% rise in coffee sales across its 32 UK hotels and resorts in the past year.
READ MORE
Winter Connections community programme grant funding reopens
Community groups and voluntary organisations are being encouraged to apply for grant funding from Renfrewshire Council to enable them to put on activities for local people between October and March.
READ MORE
Spooky season brings horror icons and vampire romance back to the big screen at Vue
Some of the latest horror blockbusters – alongside creepy classics, enchanting family favourites and the ever-popular Twilight Saga – will all be heading to Vue venues this Halloween.
READ MORE
Christmas Launch Weekend at Dobbies Garden Centres marks the start of the festive season
Christmas has come early as Dobbies Garden Centres kicks off the season in style at its Christmas Launch Weekend which takes place from Thursday 9th to Monday 13th October.
READ MORE
CCC treats audiences to a frightfully delightful family concert this Halloween
Children's Classic Concerts return with their popular Halloween concert performances in Glasgow and Edinburgh later this month!
READ MORE
Paisley shortlisted for Scotland Loves Local Town of the Year 2025
Paisley has been shortlisted for the prestigious Scotland Loves Local Town of the Year Award, recognising the town's ambitious regeneration and community-led transformation.
READ MORE
Braehead secures SuperPark, Global Leisure Brand, for its UK debut
Global indoor leisure and recreation concept SuperPark will make its UK debut at Braehead Shopping Centre, bringing experience-led leisure to the centre next year!
READ MORE
SAY Award Longlist announced including Jacob Alon, Kathryn Joseph, Mogwai and more
The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, Scotland's national music prize, has today revealed the 20 outstanding albums on 2025's Longlist.
READ MORE
Beatson Cancer Charity and Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service join forces for Blood Cancer Awareness Month
For the first time, Beatson Cancer Charity has joined forces with the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service to highlight the vital role blood donors play in the treatment of blood cancers.
READ MORE
New community space opens at the heart of Ferguslie Park
A vibrant new activity and community space has officially opened within Ferguslie Park in Renfrewshire, transforming a long-term vacant area into a welcoming hub for local people.
READ MORE
Nominations sought for Community Councils across Renfrewshire
Local people are being encouraged to become part of their community councils as elections take place in five towns and villages in Renfrewshire.
READ MORE
The Bungalow is a musical home from home for rocker Davey
Rock star vocalist Davey Pattison spent 40 years performing in arenas and stadiums all over America.
READ MORE
Annual recruitment event returns to Braehead Shopping Centre
On Wednesday 24th and Thursday 25th September, Braehead Shopping Centre will host its 3rd annual recruitment event.
READ MORE
Online radio chat show going from strength to strength
When Rachael Smith started hosting her weekly chat show 'Buddie Talk' on Paisley Radio back in March this year, she never envisioned that it would take off quite as much as it has.
READ MORE
Award winning show Stuntman comes to Paisley Arts Centre
Award-winning Scottish company SUPERFAN will bring their high-octane smash hit Edinburgh Fringe show Stuntman to Paisley Arts Centre on Wednesday 17th September!
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links