Best Vocalist Award
2005 Winner - Liane Carroll 2006 Winner - Clare Teal
WINNER - Ian Shaw
Ian Shaw's talents as a keyboard player and producer are not to be sniffed at, but it's his singing that's made him one of the country's most popular and successful jazz artists. From duets with Claire Martin and Mark Murphy to wotk with Veryan Weston and Phil Minton and a string of successful solo records, Shaw is an open minded and immensely gifted musician.
Claire Martin
Moved to become a jazz singer by teenage encounters with the works of Ella Fitzgerald and a live performance by the great Betty Carter, Claire Martin has established herself as one of the UK's most popular and accomplished vocalists. Along the way her collaborators have included Jim Mullen, John Marty and even Noel Gallagher! Her recently issued tribute to Shirley Horn, 'He Never Mentioned Love' looks set to become a classic.
Norma Winstone
Though she initially sang standards, Norma Winstone has long been associated with the UK avent garde scene, evolving a unique approach to vocal improvisation that has made her a favourite with fans and critics alike. A long association with John taylor and Kenny Wheeler led to a string of classic albums on the ECM label, and she's recently been heard with bassist Steve Swallow's new sextet.
