Executive Director, Bill King today announces that this year’s National Jazz Awards is honouring three “greats” during the 2008 National Jazz Awards on April 8.
The NJA 2008 Jazz Pioneer Award: Doug Riley
NJA 2008 Musician of the Year: Oscar Peterson
NJA Artist of Distinction: Jeff Healey
Doug Riley is being honoured for his contributions to the jazz community, in addition to his many years in front of and behind the scene with his jazz/funk, Dr. Music; Ray Charles; film/television and all things jazz. He was a true pioneer at the vanguard of Canadian jazz who helped advance the idiom from the ‘60s into the new millennium.
Oscar Peterson’s award will be presented to the Peterson family by long time friend, the honorable Bob Rae. Peterson was our guiding light who never left his country behind, choosing to live in Mississauga reaffirming his roots in our national jazz community. He gave of himself to the nation and NJAs, both performing and addressing the need for all of us to strive, keep the music alive and help a younger generation flourish.
Jeff Healey is being honoured for his remarkable, albeit too short, life and his tremendous musical gift and his unstoppable spirit and joy in that life. In Bill King’s words, “Jeff knew exactly why he was here and stayed true to the chase right to the end. Jeff heard something in his head. It was music stripped of conceit and false intentions. It was the rustic morning that gave birth to jazz that seduced. The music he played had destinations, each with a travel order – a train schedule and departing time. Jeff caught the last train and we know where it’s going. The band has a seat all ready.”
The 2008 National Jazz Awards is delighted to welcome CFRB 1010 as its media partner. Galaxie, CBC’s Continuous Music Network continues as presenter and we acknowledge the generous support from FACTOR as we salute “The Next Generation”. Executive Director, Bill King has assembled an amazing line up that will feature many of this country’s young jazz artists who will share the stage in performance and celebration.
Hosted by two of our most highly regarded young artists, Kellylee Evans and Michael Kaeshammer, the awards will also feature performances from: The Mike Ruby Quartet, 13 year-old Nikki Yanofsky, Brandi Disterheft Quintet, Elizabeth Shepherd Trio, Laila Biali Trio, Alex Bellegarde, October Trio, and of course Evans and Kaeshammer.
Kellylee Evans has enjoyed a productive, groundbreaking year receiving nominations for a Gemini award, a Juno award and Toronto Independent Music award. She also won the 2007 Canadian Smooth Jazz award for Female Vocalist of the Year. Kellylee’s star is on the rise.
www.kellyleeevans.com
Michael Kaeshammer has recently released Days Like These, his long awaited follow up to Strut, and is receiving only positive reviews. He has melded his deep affection for New Orleans and its music with his fast growing songwriting and singing skill. Expect his droll humour to shine through as a co-host.
www.kaeshammer.com
Also confirmed as Musical Director is the one and only, Shuffle Demons founder, Richard Underhill.
Founder and Executive Director of the awards, Bill King, says, “We can all be proud of the artists who have paved the way and music programs that are now in place to support and nurture this next generation – the success is obvious with young artists from all regions of Canada advancing the art form. It’s about new faces, new sounds and a fresh take on the music we all hold dear.”
National Jazz Awards (NJA) Executive Producer, Patrick Taylor added that, “While the National Jazz Awards will continue to recognize all of our Canadian jazz artists, this show promises to be one for the history books, as we witness some of the brightest young stars on the scene today. An evening not to be missed.”Tickets $65 are available through Ticketmaster 416.870.8000 or
www.ticketmaster.ca
The 2008 National Jazz Awards
Tuesday, April 8Palais Royale, 1601 Lakeshore Blvd., Toronto
Show 8PM
Please add to your listings
Further information contact: Jane Harbury 416.960.1568
jane@harbury.ca
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