In May 2022 we named three Toronto-based artists as finalists of the Toronto Arts Foundation Emerging Jazz Artist Award. Supported by Cheryl and Manuel Buchwald, the award is a $10,000 cash prize with finalists receiving $1,000. The award furthers the career of an outstanding emerging jazz artist and is intended to support the pre-production, production, and/or recording of original music composed by the recipient.
A violinist and composer; guitarist, composer and educator; and trumpeter, composer and arranger, the three individuals are paving the way for the future of jazz in the city and Canada. The recipient was named at an in-person celebration on June 29, 2022 at the TD Toronto Jazz Festival. The award presentation as accompanied by separate performances from past Emerging Jazz Artist Award recipients Mark Godfrey, Jesse Ryan and Joanna Majoko.
The finalists of the 2022 Emerging Jazz Artist Award were:
Madeleine Ertel
Madeleine Ertel is a trumpeter, composer, and arranger known for her honest approach to music making. A recent graduate of the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance (2020), she performs regularly in a wide variety of musical contexts throughout the Greater Toronto Area.
The panel noted Madeline’s great musical skills and her future potential. They were impressed with her community engagement, particularly her advocacy for women in the field.
www.madeleineertel.ca
Aline Homzy
Aline Homzy is a violinist, composer and community builder. Aline’s compositions have been performed in South Korea, Europe, the USA and all over Canada. She considers her greatest learning experiences to be on the bandstand playing with David Occhipinti, Andrew Downing, Allison Au and countless others. ‘Aline’s étoile magique’ will be releasing their first album later this year.
The panel noted Aline’s skill as a violinist and her compelling compositions that feature her unique sound. They also appreciated her engagement in the community, working behind the scenes to organize events and festivals to bring more exposure to artists who are deserving.
www.alinehomzy.com
Andrew Marzotto, 2022 recipient
Andrew has been playing guitar since the age of nine. After graduation from Berklee in 2016, Andrew returned to Toronto and developed into a performing and session guitarist accompanying world-class instrumentalists and vocalists, while also appearing on a diverse collection of albums ranging from hip-hop to cutting edge jazz.
The panel noted Andrew’s versatile and adventurous compositions and bold playing, and remarked that he deserves to be recognized.
www.andrew-marzotto.com
ASSESSMENT PANEL
The assessment panel for the 2022 Emerging Jazz Artist Award was comprised of jazz artists and leaders Nancy Walker, Chelsea McBride, Kelsley Grant and Josh Grossman.
Photos provided by the artists.
Visit this link to read the announcement about 2022 recipient Andrew Marzotto.