Best Band Award
2004 Winner - Soweto Kinch
Winner - Acoustic Ladyland
Pete Wareham-saxophones Tom Cawley-piano, keys Tom Herbert-bass Seb Rochford-drums
Formed in 2001 under the umbrella of the London F-ire collective, Acoustic Ladyland have enjoyed huge success including a nomination for this year's Best Album (Camouflage) as well as Best Band, residencies at Ronnie Scott's, a National Jazz Services tour and BBC broadcasts.
Abram Wilson Group
Abram Wilson-trumpet & vocals Nathaniel Facey-alto saxophone Neil Charles-double bass Andrew MacCormack-piano Shaney Forbes-drums
Arriving in London in 2002 Abram quickly set about gathering like-minded musicians for his own group and his recent album Jazz Warrior clearly shows his talents as trumpeter, singer-songwriter and band leader. Currently associated with Tomorrow's Warriors, the band develops further that organisation's seamless blend of jazz with hip hop, RnB and New Orleans Groove.
Polar Bear
Seb Rochford-drums Mark Lockheart & Pete Wareham-saxophones Tom Herbert-bass
Formed under the umbrella of the London F-ire Collective, a characteristic of Polar Bear's music is the mixing of a jazz background with modern electronic and pop/rock influences. Leader Seb Rochford was voted Rising Star at last year's BBC Jazz Awards.
