 Jazz UK named Publication of the Year at 2008 Parliamentary Jazz AwardsIt was a successful night for Jazz UK Editor, John Fordham, who collected the award for Journalist of the Year alongside the Publication award, which was presented to John and Jazz Services' Director, Chris Hodgkins, by Musicians' Union General Secretary, John Smith, at the House of Commons. Sponsored by PPL with support from Jazz Services, the All Party Parliamentary Jazz Appreciation Group (APPJAG) Awards were hosted by broadcaster Paul Gambaccini. Many MPs and Peers were present on the night including, RT. Hon. Kenneth Clarke, MP, Baroness Amos and Andy Burnham, MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport who presented the prestigious Jazz Musician of the Year Award to Liane Carroll. The full list of winners who were presented with a Parliamentary Shield on the night, were: Jazz Musician of the Year Liane Carroll Jazz Broadcaster of the Year Helen Mayhew Jazz Venue of the Year Tithe Barn, Needham, Norfolk Jazz Educator of the Year Dennis Rollins Jazz Publication of the Year Jazz UK Jazz Journalist of the Year John Fordham Services to Jazz Paul Pace Jazz CD of the Year The Amadeus Project - Guy Barker Jazz Ensemble of the Year Empirical Renowned Jazz guitarist John Etheridge and his band the Blue Spirits Trio entertained the large audience with a fantastic half hour set. The winners were then interviewed by Helen Mayhew for her radio programme on Classic FM. "PPL is delighted to continue as the main sponsor of the APPJAG and specifically the Parliamentary Jazz Awards. This prestigious event is becoming increasingly important and we are very proud to be able to champion jazz music and the very talented jazz musicians in this country," said Fran Nevrkla, Chairman and CEO of PPL and VPL. "My congratulations and compliments go to all the winners together with many thanks to Michael and Tony without whose sterling work none of this would happen. A very special thank you must go also to Paul Gambaccini whose unique talent as the regular host of these Awards makes the event so special." The APPJAG has over 100 members from the House of Commons and House of Lords across all political parties. Their aim is to encourage wider and deeper enjoyment of jazz, to increase Parliamentarians’ understanding of the jazz industry and issues surrounding it, to promote jazz as a musical form and to raise its profile inside and outside Parliament. The Group’s officers are Co-Chairs Michael Connarty MP and Lord Colwyn, and Secretary Joan Walley, MP. "More and more members of both sides of Parliament appreciate the vast amount of talent in the music industry and in jazz in the UK," said Michael Connarty MP. "Hopefully when we recognise it, the funding organisations will follow our example and allow jazz to grow and flourish." The nominations for the Parliamentary Jazz Awards were collected with support from Jazzwise, Jazz UK, Jazz Services and the late-lamented DAB station, theJazz. 14/05/2008 |