On the same evening it kicked American hockey booty in the Olympics, Canada celebrated by feting its homegrown jazz “medallists” on Sun. Feb. 24 at the “First Annual National Jazz Awards”-music that, like cheap cigarettes and backup infielders, the U.S. has exported to the Great White North with great success. The ceremony was held in Toronto.
Oscar Peterson was honored by Christian Höferl, vice president of sales and marketing for Bösendorfer Pianos in Vienna, Austria, with the first-ever Bösendorfer Lifetime Achievement Award. Peterson was also recognized as an inaugural inductee into the Canadian Jazz & Blues Hall of Fame along with Moe Koffman, Jackie Washington and Dutch Mason. Jane Bunnett won the “Miscellaneous” award. Other, more definitive award winners include:
Jazz Festival: Festival International du Jazz du Montreal
Broadcaster: Ross Porter (CBC Radio 2, “After Hours”)
Journalist: Mark Miller (Globe and Mail & Author)
Producer: Jim West/Brigham Phillips
Saxophonist: Mike Murley
Bassist: Dave Young/Steve Wallace
Keyboardist: Dave Restivo
Drummer: Terry Clarke
Violin: Hugh Marsh
Percussion: Rick Lazar
Composer: Nick Ali
SOCAN Composer: D.D. Jackson
Clarinet: Phil Nimmons
Acoustic Group: Barry Elmes Quintet
Electric Group: Metalwood
Arranger: Rob McConnell
Trombonist: Rob McConnell
Trumpet: Turcotte
Guitarist: Michael Occhipinti
Big Band: NOJO
Label: Justin Time Records
Vocalist: Carol Welsman
Record of the Year: The Look of Love, Diana Krall
Musician of the Year: Diana Krall (pictured left)
International Musician: Diana Krall
Lifetime Achievement Award: Phil Sheridan (Ken Page Memorial Trust)
