More awards everybody, and it was the All Party Parliamentary Jazz Appreciation Group Awards last night, which may not roll off the tongue all that well, but which is worthy of a mention nonetheless. Staged at the House Of Commons, sponsored by royalty body PPL, presented by Paul Gambaccini and supported by jazz fan MPs like Ken Clarke, Charles Kennedy and Culture Minister Andy Burnham (actually, he was presumably there cos he had to be, I don't know whether he actually likes jazz), the winners this year were as follows...
Jazz Musician of the Year: Liane Carroll
Jazz Broadcaster of the Year: Helen Mayhew
Jazz Venue of the Year : Tithe Barn
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
Confirming their support for the event, PPL chief Fran Nevrkla told CMU: "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. 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".