On Monday 23 September, the 17th annual Australian Jazz Bell Awards acknowledged and applauded excellence of creativity, recording, performance and presentation of jazz in Australia.
The esteemed industry event celebrated the achievements of jazz musicians over the past year, with pianist Barney McAll and Andrea Keller being honoured for the second year running.
A total of seven categories were announced, including the prestigious Hall of Fame award. The winner of each category was presented an award along with $5,000 prize money.
Miriam Zolin, former editor of this website, was the MC of the event. | Photo: Kevin Peterson
Adrian Jackson with Tamara Kuldin. | Photo: Kevin Peterson
Jackey Cole and Jack Pantazis (R) | Photo: Kevin Peterson
Martin Jackson with his wife, Jan. | Photo: Kevin Peterson
Henry Manetta, Adam Rudegeair and Nadira Farid | Photo: Kevin Peterson
Jonathan Zwartz (centre) performs a new piece, along with Barney McAll, Julien Wilson and Felix Bloxsom. | Photo: Kevin Peterson
Jessica Nicholas (R) | Photo: Kevin Peterson
Stonnington Jazz Festival Artistic Directors Past and Present: Adrian Jackson (centre) and Chelsea Wilson (right), | Photo: Kevin Peterson
(L-R) Miriam Zolin, (Jazz Corner Hotel Manager) Harry Isen, Natasha Fearnside (who received the Best Instrumental Album Award on behalf of Sam Anning) and drummer Raj Jayaweera. | Photo: Kevin Peterson
Bassist Mick Meagher receives the Bell Award for Best Australian Jazz Ensemble, on behalf of Nine Below bandleader Andrea Keller. | Photo: Kevin Peterson
Jonathan Zwartz receives the Greame Bell Hall of Fame Award, on behalf of Sandy Evans, from Simon Barr (representing Bird’s Basement). | Photo: Kevin Peterson
Here at Australian Jazz Net, we’d like to congratulate everyone who made it to the shortlist: Harriett Allcroft and Margie Lou Dyer (nominated for Best Australian Vocal Jazz Album); Flora Carbo and Josh Bennier (nominated for Young Australian Jazz Artist of the Year); and Mat Jodrell (nominated for Best Australian Jazz Work, Best Australian Instrumental Jazz Album and Best Produced Album).