2017 JJA Jazz Awards Banquet Photos

Photos by Janis Wilkins of the Jazz Journalists Association's 2017 JJA Jazz Awards Banquet, held June 6, 2017 at the Golden Unicorn Restaurant, New York City.

JJA Jazz Awards Banquet June 6 NYC

 Jazz Journalists Association members and friends will celebrate the 2017 JJA Jazz Awards winners and nominees on June 6 at a Chinese banquet at the Golden Unicorn Restaurant, 18 E. Broadway in New York City. The public is cordially invited, but tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance.

2017 JJA Jazz Awards Winners Named

The Jazz Journalists Association has announced winners of its 21st annual Jazz Awards, celebrating 41 categories of excellence in music and music journalism. Pianists reign, with 78-year old McCoy Tyner celebrated for his Lifetime Achievement in Jazz, 13-year-old Joey Alexander hailed as Up and Coming Musician of the Year, Kenny Barron (73) named Pianist of the Year, the late Bill Evans’ Some Other Time: The Lost Session from the Black Forest (Resonance Records) winning as Historical Recording of the Year, Robert Glasper acknowledged for his use of electronics, and Vijay Iyer cited for his role in Duo of the Year -- his duet partner being trumpeter Wadada Leo Smith, recipient of the Musician of the Year Award.

2017 JJA Jazz Awards Nominees announced

Professional Journalist members of the Jazz Journalists Association are voting now for winners of its 21st annual JJA Jazz Awards.  Nominees have been named in 41 categories of excellence in music and music-related media. Jazz Awards winners will be announced online at jjajazzawards.org on Monday, May 15, and will receive their engraved statuettes throughout the summer at their performances across the U.S. JJA members, Awards winners and nominees, and their supporters will gather to celebrate the JJA Jazz Awards at a ticketed event in New York City in early June, details to be announced. 

2017 JJA Jazz Heroes named

The Jazz Journalists Association has announced the 2017 "class" of JJA Jazz Heroes, 26 individuals in twenty locales around the U.S. who are being honored for their personal work in keeping jazz alive and thriving in their communities. Jazz Heroes are selected each year by community members in consultation with the JJA; the award recognizes the many kinds of non-musical contributions that are needed to keep the music going and bringing in new audiences.  More on the 2017 honorees.

2017 JJA Jazz Awards Nominations Underway

The twenty-first JJA Jazz Awards season has begun:  Professional journalist members of the Jazz Journalists Association are currently submitting nominations for the 2017 awards for jazz musicianship, recording and journalism and local communities have made their nominations for 2017 Jazz Heroes who have made exceptional contributions to jazz in those communities.

• 2017 Jazz Heroes will be announced here on April 1 MON APRIL 3.
• Nominees for 2017 Jazz Awards will be announced here on May 1
• 2017 Jazz Awards winners will be announced here on June 1.

The JJA is still seeking sponsors and supporters for the 2017 awards; for more information please email president@jazzjournalists.org.