Nominees unveiled for 2023 Scottish Jazz Awards as public vote opens

A talented roster of nominees has been unveiled for the highly anticipated 2023 Scottish Jazz Awards with the public vote now open.

Article Source: Scottish Jazz Awards
Last Updated: 13 November 2023 14:11

The vibrant celebration of Scotland's thriving jazz scene is set to take place at the historic Savings Bank in Glasgow on Thursday 7th December and will be hosted by celebrated musician Seonaid Aitkin.

The public vote opens from 12 noon on Monday 13 November, allowing fans of Scotland’s vibrant jazz scene to decide which of the shortlisted stars will be honoured at the glittering ceremony. The public will have until 5pm on Wednesday 29 November to voice their support for who they think deserves to win.

Since their inception, The Scottish Jazz Awards have become a hallmark event on the Scottish cultural calendar, recognising and honouring contributions to the genre from some of Scotland’s finest vocalists and instrumentalists, while inspiring gifted newcomers to the scene.

A carefully selected shortlist of over 20 musicians and acts across five categories has been chosen by a panel of industry specialists, including media, press and promoters from across the UK, alongside last year’s winners who were ineligible to be nominated in the same category.

Jill Rodger, Director of Glasgow Jazz Festival and Producer of the Scottish Jazz Awards, said: “The Scottish Jazz Awards are a true calendar highlight for us each year as we celebrate Scotland’s musical prowess, and the 2023 nominee line-up perfectly showcases the exceptional jazz talent we have right here at home. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the nominees who have truly earned their place in the spotlight. Now is an exciting time for jazz enthusiasts across the country, as we invite the public to cast their votes in the weeks ahead and have their say on who deserves to take home each prize.”

Alan Morrison, Head of Music at Creative Scotland, said: “Scotland’s jazz scene has always been a jewel in the country’s musical crown and there’s no doubt that its fire has been burning even more brightly in recent years. Every category at the 2023 Scottish Jazz Awards is solid proof of that. As the nominees are unveiled, music fans can now add their voices to this annual celebration of exceptional talent by casting a vote for their favourite live performers and recorded releases.”

Nominations for the 2023 Scottish Jazz Awards are:

Rising Star Award, sponsored by Musicians’ Union
● Ben Shankland
● Ewan Johnston
● Gaia Jeannot
● Kimberley Tessa
● Nathan Somevi

The Fionna Duncan Best Vocalist Award, sponsored by Whighams Jazz Club
● Ali Affleck
● Georgia Cecile
● Louise Dodds
● Marianne McGregor
● Rachel Lightbody

Best Instrumentalist Award, sponsored by ESP Music Rentals
● Calum Gourlay
● Ewan Hastie
● Liam Shortall
● Matt Carmichael
● Norman Willmore

Best Album Award, sponsored by Birnam CD
● Confluence - Sean Gibbs
● Golden Sands - Helena Kay’s KIM Trio
● Marram - Matt Carmichael
● Outwith The Circle - Paul Towndrow
● Sure Of You - Georgia Cecile & Fraser Urquhart

Best Band Award, sponsored by Pizza Express
● corto.alto
● Fergus McCreadie Trio
● Mama Terra
● Matt Carmichael Quintet
● Tom McGuire & The Brassholes

The Best Vocalist Award has been renamed in honour of the late jazz singer Fionna Duncan, who sadly passed away last year. Fionna made great contributions to the Scottish jazz scene with her impeccable vocals and infectious enthusiasm for the music, and was a previous recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Scottish Jazz Awards are produced as an independent event by the organisers of Glasgow Jazz Festival and supported by the National Lottery through Creative Scotland.

The Scottish Jazz Awards will be held at the Savings Bank in Glasgow on Thursday 7th December. To vote in this year’s awards, please visit www.jazzfest.co.uk/awards. Voting closes at 5pm on Wednesday 29 November.

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Glasgow News

Buchanan Galleries Christmas Cracker takes Childrens Hospital Charity guest donations to more than 100K

Charity donations from generous Christmas shoppers at Buchanan Galleries helped amass an impressive £66,000 during the festive season alone!

Mowgli Street Food Introduces the new 600 calorie Lite Tiffin

Healthy, hearty and great value at just £15 per person - Mowgli's new Lite Tiffin launches this January.

Return to Middle Earth as The Lord of The Rings Trilogy celebrates its 25th anniversary at Vue

One of the most iconic and beloved fantasy trilogies of all time, The Lord of The Rings, is returning to the big screen at Vue venues across Scotland, as it celebrates its 25th anniversary.

Scottish actor Joe McFadden to lead acclaimed stage adaptation of The Shawshank Redemption at the Theatre Royal Glasgow

The Theatre Royal Glasgow is delighted to announce that The Shawshank Redemption, the acclaimed stage adaptation of Stephen King's 1982 novella, will come to the venue in March!

16.5 million visits make 2025 best year yet for Silverburn

Silverburn has welcomed a record 16.5 million visits over the past year, marking 2025 as its busiest year to date and underlining its status as Scotland's leading shopping and leisure destination.

Scottish Ensemble spotlights future string stars with Musical Encounters

Scottish Ensemble begins an exciting 2026 with the return of their Young Artist programme, helping to develop the next generation of Scotland's young string players.

Celebrate love with your PAWfect Valentine at Dobbies Garden Centres

Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting pet parents to celebrate Valentine's Day with their beloved furry friends in selected stores across the country!

Primary schools in Scotland given chance to win specifically curated Burns Supper from Aldi

Aldi Scotland is giving primary school pupils across Scotland the chance to enjoy a truly traditional Burns Supper, complete with all the trimmings, including a bagpiper.

Glasgow International Comedy Festival launches 2026 programme with over 100,000 tickets on sale

Glasgow International Comedy Festival has announced the full programme for 2026's event with 560 shows in 40 venues across the city from 11th - 29th March, and over 100,000 tickets now on sale!

Glasgow Film Festival 2026 to open with UK Premiere of Everybody To Kenmure Street

A documentary about one of Scotland's most spontaneous and successful acts of civil resistance in recent memory will open Glasgow Film Festival's 22nd edition on 25th February!

Celebrate Burns Night 2026 at Flight Club

If you're looking for a fun way to celebrate Burns Night this year, head to Flight Club!

Calling all Gingers!

The IRN-BRU Carnival is showing appreciation to any fellow fiery headed pals by offering a bonus ride voucher to anyone visiting with ginger hair on Sunday 11th January!

Everything you need to know about Celtic Connections 2026

The renowned festival which every year transforms Glasgow in January into a must-visit destination for music lovers is now just over a week away.

Zizzi launches their January Birthday Jackpot

Zizzi's January Birthday Jackpot guarantees a special gift for adults born in January, with some lucky birthday guests receiving the jackpot prize - £100 towards their bill!

Litter picking dog charity aims to remove 44 million pieces of rubbish in 2026

Dog owners making an environmental New Year Resolution are hoped to boost the ranks of the Paws On Plastic charity to over 30,000 in 2026!

Full casting announced for Legally Blonde: The Musical

Full casting has been announced for Legally Blonde: The Musical which will have its Scottish premiere at The King's Theatre Glasgow in April!

Brand new craft event encourages mindfulness, creativity and relaxation

Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting customers along to an afternoon of creativity, connection, and cake this January, with a brand-new Crafternoon Tea Club.

Famous faces share their DofE Award memories in celebration of their 70th anniversary

Anyone with a connection to The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is being invited to celebrate the charity's 70th anniversary by sharing their fondest DofE memories.

Silverburn expands leisure offering with new Pilates studio

Silverburn guests can kick-start their 2026 wellness journey with the arrival of the first Haus of Pilates studio.

Dry or Try January: Flight Club is your go to January social spot

Whether you're ditching the booze and going dry for a month or embracing Try January with the goal of experiencing new things, Flight Club, ticks all the boxes!

Christmas has come early! Glasgow youngster wins the entire DreamToys list in national competition

One very lucky youngster from Glasgow has been crowned the winner of an incredible festive giveaway – taking home all 15 toys featured on this year's coveted DreamToys list.

Christmas has arrived in Glasgow, The IRN BRU Carnival returns for its 106th year

Europe's largest indoor fun fair, The IRN-BRU Carnival, has opened to the public at Glasgow's SEC with its greatest show to date!

The River Inn launches dream wedding reception giveaway worth thousands

One lucky couple to win a luxury wedding reception for up to 100 guests... completely free!

Christmas Carol Goes Wrong crashes into the Kings Theatre Glasgow

Multi-award winning company Mischief return to the King's Theatre Glasgow with their new stage show – Christmas Carol Goes Wrong!

Christmas drawing by 11 year old Glasgow schoolgirl lights up the city

An 11-year-old Glasgow schoolgirl has seen her Christmas drawing light up the city after it was transformed into a glowing display as part of this year’s festive light trail.

Scottish Doctor Who actor to lead The Woman in Black at the Theatre Royal Glasgow

PW Productions is delighted to announce casting for Susan Hill's The Woman in Black, as it returns to the Theatre Royal Glasgow.

Scottish dancer to appear in The Red Shoes in first tour stop in Glasgow

The King's Theatre, Glasgow is delighted to reveal the full cast and tour dates for Matthew Bourne's double Olivier award-winning, smash hit production of The Red Shoes.

Braehead Shopping Centre is your place for festive fashion, food and fun this Christmas

Christmas is in full swing at Braehead Shopping Centre, and Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination is once again the place to celebrate the magic of the festive season!