Record Numbers of Votes Registered for the 6th Annual Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards
 February 22, 2010 – The annual Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards ballot count ending last Friday (Feb. 19) reflects a dramatic increase in voter interest. Awards co-chair, Mary Kirk, of Wave 94.7FM says, “Thank you to the huge number of fans from all over the world who took time to send in their ballots.”
“I think the fans look forward to being involved each year,” says John Beaudin, co-chair and Program Director of Smooth Jazz Now.com. “This year more than any other we received hundreds of emails from fans wanting voting information months before the nominations were even announced. I think this awards body is very relevant to the lovers of this format”
The results of the voting will be announced at the Awards show on April 23. As Kirk points out, the winners in many categories are never evident until the very end of the voting period. “With so many outstanding nominees in every category, you can understand why these races go right down to the wire!”
Performers this year include guitar superstars Marc Antoine, Paul Brown and Peter White. Saxophonists Darren Rahn and Jessy J are also set to take the stage as well as flutist and long-time host of the event Alexander Zonjic. The evening will also include performances by trumpeter Rick Braun, pianist Michael Kaeshammer and the Toronto band Four80East. Former trumpeter for Tower of Power, Greg Adams will be making an appearance, as will members of Pieces of a Dream.
15 time Grammy Award winning producer Phil Ramone will present the George Benson Lifetime Achievement Award to Jazz legend David Sanborn. The famous sax player has been an innovator not only in Jazz music but its related genres. From his debut album “Taking off” in 1975 until his latest release “Only Everything,” produced by Ramone, Sanborn’s projects have always been treated as major events for fans.
The Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards will take place on Friday, April 23, 8pm at the Living Arts Centre in Mississauga, Ontario. Tickets are still available from LAC at 905 306 6000 or toll free 1 888 805 8888.
Top Jazz Musicians Show David Sanborn Nothing But Love
 January 27, 2010 – It’s a love-fest at the Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards. The tributes are pouring in for David Sanborn, this year’s recipient of the George Benson Lifetime Achievement Award. Benson, who won the first honor and has since had the award named after him, was the first to tip his hat to Sanborn, “We both have tremendous identities in the world of Smooth Jazz,” says Benson. “It would be hard to find anyone amongst serious music listeners who does not recognize the name David Sanborn and the great music he plays. So, I am not surprised that he is being honored as this year's recipient of the George Benson Lifetime Achievement Award.”
Cameron Smith mid-day at Smooth Jazz Now.com says, “David has been a friend and inspiration to me…the fact that he survived polio as a young boy by spending time in an iron lung and picked up the sax to help build back his strength in his lungs is a just part of his story. His artistic genius, his sense of humor and humility make him a remarkable human being…his lifetime is full of achievement on so many levels.”
Smooth Jazz superstar Boney James added, “David's music was a tremendous influence on my playing and he's always been a great inspiration in my pursuit of a career as a saxophonist. I'm grateful to know him."
The Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards will take place on Friday, April 23 at the Living Arts Centre in Mississauga, Ontario. Tickets are available from LAC at 905 306 6000 or toll free 1 888 805 8888.
Click here to visit the David Sanborn tribute pages.
Voting To Start Monday January 11, 2010 for the 6th Annual Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Mary Kirk
January 8, 2010 (416) 565-7211
The beginning of the year always marks a fresh start, a new beginning and an opportunity for Smooth Jazz fans to vote for their favourite artists on the Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards website.
Voting for the 6th Annual Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards kicks off Monday January 11 and runs until February 19, 2010.
This year four outstanding Canadian acts earned 3 nominations each: Darren Rahn, Alexander Zonjic, Michael Kaeshammer and Four80East (Tony Grace & Rob DeBoer).
Saxman and super-producer Rahn, born in BC’s Fraser Valley, was nominated for ‘Album’ and ‘Best Original Composition’ for “Talk of the Town” as well as ‘Wind Instrumentalist of the Year.”
Jazz piano prodigy Kaeshammer received nominations for ‘Male Vocalist’ and ‘Keyboardist/Pianist’ of the year. His hit song “Isabelle,” co-written by Ron Lopata, Andrea Kaziol and Joel Parisien, was nominated as ‘Best Original Composition.’
Toronto’s Rob DeBoer and Tony Grace of the band Four80East each received 3 nominations this year. Grace who co-founded the Toronto band in the late nineties, picked up a nod as ‘Drummer/Percussionist,’ and shared nominations with DeBoer for ‘Group/Duo of the Year’ and ‘Best Original Composition’ for their hit song, “Roll On”. DeBoer was also nominated as ‘Keyboardist of the Year.’
Alexander Zonjic, who is set to host the show for his sixth year, was recognized in both ‘Wind Instrumentalist’ and ‘ BMO Broadcaster of the Year’ categories. His latest project Doin’ the D’ was also nominated for ‘Album of the Year.’
Mary Kirk, Music Director for Wave 94.7FM Toronto/Hamilton and co-chair of the Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards, says, “We’re always amazed at the huge number of fans around the world who take time to cast their ballots online in support of their favourite artists. They have the power!”
Co-chair John Beaudin, President of Smooth Jazz Now.com, says, “Each January the Awards really come alive with the thousands of fans who vote and support their favourite acts. I also love the fact that fan voting can create a new star in the format, an unsung hero who is ready to blossom.”
The recipient of the George Benson Lifetime Achievement Award this year is Saxophone superstar David Sanborn. Beginning his solo recording career in 1975, Sanborn has earned the highest respect from his peers, radio and his fans.
The Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards will take place on Friday, April 23 at the Living Arts Centre in Mississauga, Ontario. Mary Kirk says, “Smooth Jazz fans are already anxious to get their tickets for what they tell us is the highlight of their year. They love the LAC theatre, the hilarity and camaraderie of the event and above all, the unsurpassed quality of the music performed at the show!”
Beaudin adds, “I always consider the awards show the best concert that I attend each year and this show in April will be bigger than ever.”
Vote online Jan 11-Feb 19: canadiansmoothjazzawards.com
Tickets are on sale at the Living Arts Centre Box Office: 905 306 6000
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Mary Kirk
December 7, 2009 (416) 565-7211
 The Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards is honoured to be presenting the 6th George Benson Lifetime Achievement Award to Jazz legend David Sanborn.
Sanborn, who started his solo recording career in 1975, has managed to achieve the delicate balance of maintaining artistic integrity while receiving universal critical acclaim and huge record sales. The saxophonist has won 6 Grammy Awards and 16 of his albums entered Billboards TOP 200 chart. He is known as one of the most influential sax players in the history of Jazz.
Mary Kirk of Wave 94.7FM in Toronto/Hamilton and co-chair of The Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards says, “We are truly honoured to be able to celebrate David’s outstanding career by presenting him with this year’s Benson Award. Like those recipients before him, he has been such a tremendous ambassador for Jazz, pioneering the Pop/Jazz crossover and seducing millions of fans over the last few decades with his artistry.”
“It’s truly a dream come true for me personally to honour David Sanborn this way,” says co-chair, John Beaudin of Smooth Jazz Now.com. “When I left home in 1979, I left with 5 Sanborn albums under my arm! He’s always had a huge influence on me.”
George Benson was the first Lifetime Achievement Award winner in 2005. With Benson’s blessing, the honour was then named after him. Other winners include Bob James, Spyro Gyra, Lee Ritenour and Earl Klugh.
Sanborn will attend the gala ceremony, the 6th Annual Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards, on Friday, April 23rd at the Living Arts Centre in Mississauga, Ontario.
Tickets are available at 1-800-805-8888 or 905-306-6000.
November 9, 2009 – Nominations for the 2010 Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards have just been released, with four outstanding Canadian acts earning 3 nominations each: Darren Rahn, Alexander Zonjic, Michael Kaeshammer and Four80East (Tony Grace & Rob DeBoer).
Saxman and super-producer Rahn, born in BC’s Fraser Valley, was nominated for ‘Album’ and ‘Best Original Composition’ for “Talk of the Town” as well as ‘Wind Instrumentalist of the Year.”
Jazz piano prodigy Kaeshammer received nominations for ‘Male Vocalist’ and ‘Keyboardist/Pianist’ of the year. His hit song “Isabelle,” co-written by Ron Lopata, Andrea Kaziol and Joel Parisien, was nominated as ‘Best Original Composition.’
Rob DeBoer and Tony Grace of the band Four80East each received 3 nominations this year. Grace who co-founded the Toronto band in the late nineties, picked up a nod as ‘Drummer/Percussionist,’ and shared nominations with DeBoer for ‘Group/Duo of the Year’ and ‘Best Original Composition’ for their hit song, “Roll On”. DeBoer was also nominated as ‘Keyboardist of the Year.’
Alexander Zonjic, who is set to host the show for his sixth year, was recognized in both ‘Wind Instrumentalist’ and ‘ BMO Broadcaster of the Year’ categories. His latest project Doin’ the D’ was also nominated for ‘Album of the Year.’
Mary Kirk, Music Director for Wave 94.7FM Toronto/Hamilton and co-chair of the Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards, says, “Once again we have an impressive roster of nominees from across North America, with a strong representation of both emerging and established Canadian artists of whom we’re especially proud.”
Co-chair John Beaudin, President of Smooth Jazz Now.com, says, “It’s always exciting when we come up with the final list of nominees. Our team looks at it as the greatest hits of the last 12 months. This is a powerful group of artists.”
Eleven acts received two nominations each, including George Benson, the very first recipient of the ‘George Benson Lifetime Achievement Award’. The legendary guitarist was named in International categories for both ‘Vocalist’ and ‘Instrumentalist’ of the year.
Guitarists Jesse Cook and Rik Emmett plus Saxophonists Demo Cates and Jeff Kashiwa were also recognized in two categories. Others nominated in two spots include Keyboardist Stan Fomin, Montrealers Howard Forman and Irene Marc of the Groove Kings & Calgary vocalist, Johanna Sillanpaa of Sillan and Young.
The Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards will take place on Friday, April 23 at the Living Arts Centre in Mississauga, Ontario. Mary Kirk says, “Smooth Jazz fans are already anxious to get their tickets for what they tell us is the highlight of their year. They love the LAC theatre, the hilarity and camaraderie of the event and above all, the unsurpassed quality of the music performed at the show!”
Beaudin adds, “I always consider the awards show the best concert that I attend each year and this show in April will be bigger than ever.”
Tickets will go on sale NOVEMBER 30th at the Living Arts Centre Box Office: 905 306 6000
Michael Kaeshammer - Male Vocalist of the Year
Michael Kaeshammer – Keyboardist/Pianist of the Year
Michael Kaeshammer – (with Ron Lopata, Andrea Kaziol and Joel Parisien) Best Original Composition for “Isabelle”
Darren Rahn - Wind Instrumentalist of the Year
Darren Rahn - Album of the Year for Talk of the Town
Darren Rahn – Best Original Composition for “Talk of the Town”
Alexander Zonjic - Wind Instrumentalist of the Year
Alexander Zonjic - Album of the Year for Doin’ the D
Alexander Zonjic - BMO Broadcaster of the Year
Rob DeBoer - Keyboardist/Pianist of the Year
Rob DeBoer– (with Tony Grace) Best Original Composition for “Roll On”
Rob DeBoer – (as a member of Four80East) Group/Duo of the Year
Tony Grace - Drummer/Percussionist of the Year
Tony Grace – (with Rob DeBoer ) Best Original Composition for “Roll On”
Tony Grace – (as a member of Four80East) Group/Duo of the Year
George Benson – International Instrumentalist of the Year
George Benson – International Vocalist of the Year
Demo Cates – Wind Instrumentalist of the Year
Demo Cates – (as a member of Cates/Fomin Project) Group/Duo of the Year
Jesse Cook - Guitarist/Bass Guitarist of the Year
Jesse Cook – Album of the Year for Rumba Foundation
Rik Emmett - Male Vocalist of the Year
Rik Emmett – (as part of Strung-Out Troubadours) Group/Duo of the Year
Stan Fomin - Keyboardist/Pianist of the Year
Stan Fomin – (as a member of Cates/Fomin Project) Group/Duo of the Year
Howard Forman – Best Original Composition for “Blood Red”
Howard Forman – (as part of The Groove Kings) Group/Duo of the Year
Irene Marc – Female Vocalist of the Year
Irene Marc (as part of The Groove Kings) Group/Duo of the Year
Four80East - Album of the Year for Roll On
Four80East – Group/Duo of the Year
Groove Kings - Album of the Year for Blood Red
Groove Kings – Group/Duo of the Year
Jeff Kashiwa (as part of the Rippingtons) International Group/Duo of the Year
Jeff Kashiwa (as part of Sax Pack) International Group/Duo of the Year
Johanna Sillanpaa - Female Vocalist of the Year
Johanna Sillanpaa - (as part of Sillan & Young) Group/Duo of the Year
Living Arts Centre, Mississauga
Friday April 23 8pm
1. International Instrumentalist of the Year
Rick Braun
George Benson
Euge Groove
Jessy J
Boney James
Peter White
2. International Vocalist of the Year
George Benson
Spencer Day
Will Downing
Melody Gardot
Norah Jones
Vanessa Williams
3. International Group/Duo of the Year
Marc Antoine/Paul Brown
East Bay Soul
Greg Adams, Michael Paulo, Johnnie Bamont, Brian Allen, Evan Stone, Johnny Sandoval, James Wirrick, Lee Thornburg, Joey Navarro, Tom Bowes, Sean Holt, Darryl Walker
Pieces of a Dream
James Lloyd, Curtis Harmon, David Dyson, Rohn Lawrence, Eddie Baccus, Jr
Rippingtons
Jeff Kashiwa, Russ Freeman, Dave Karasony, Bill Heller, Rico Belled
Sax Pack: Steve Cole Kim Waters, Jeff Kashiwa
4. Female Vocalist of the Year
Irene Marc
Ali Matthews
Sophie Milman
Johanna Sillanpaa
Carol Welsman
5. Male Vocalist of the Year
Michael Buble
Matt Dusk
Rik Emmett
Haydain Neale (Jacksoul)
Michael Kaeshammer
Chris Smith
6. Guitarist/Bass Guitarist of the Year
Rich Brown
Jesse Cook
Johannes Linstead
Robert Michaels
Robert Tardik
7. Wind Instrumentalist of the Year
Demo Cates
Carson Freeman
Darren Rahn
Jon Stewart
Alexander Zonjic
8. Keyboardist/Pianist of the Year
Don Breithaupt
Eddie Bullen
Rob DeBoer
Stan Fomin
Michael Kaeshammer
9. Album of the Year
Jesse Cook - Rumba Foundation - EMI Music Canada
Four80East - Roll On - Native Language
Groove Kings - Blood Red - Independent
Darren Rahn - Talk of the Town - Nugroove Records
Alexander Zonjic - Doin the D - Heads Up International
10. Drummer/Percussionist of the year
Dave Campion
Davide Direnzo
Steve Heathcote
Tony Grace
Mark McLean
11. Best Original Composition
Blood Red - Howard Forman
Wouldn’t Change a Thing - James Bryan McCollum & Matthew Marston
Isabelle - Michael Kaeshammer, Ron Lopata, Andrea Kaziol Joel Parisien
Roll On - Tony Grace and Rob DeBoer
Talk of the Town - Darren Rahn
12. Group/Duo of the Year
Four80East
Cates-Fomin Project
Groove Kings
Sillan & Young
Strung Out Troubadours
13. BMO Broadcaster of the Year
Ted Hasiuk
Cameron Smith
Alexander Zonjic |
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