Emerging Jazz Artist Award 2015 To Be Announced At Toronto Jazz Festival
TORONTO, June 4, 2015 – Toronto Arts Foundation announces three outstanding musicians and composers as finalists for the 2015 Emerging Jazz Artist Award. The winner will be announced to the public on June 23, 2015 at 6:15 pm at the Toronto Jazz Festival at Nathan Phillips Square.
The Emerging Jazz Artist Award is intended to further the career of an outstanding musician and support the pre-production, production and/or recording of original music composed by the recipient. The Emerging Jazz Artist Award was established in 2014, through the generous donation of Cheryl and Manuel Buchwald, and will be given out annually for at least 10 years.
"We are pleased to celebrate the achievements of Toronto's young jazz community represented by the finalists for the award" said Cheryl and Manuel Buchwald.
The award jury included celebrated jazz artists and leaders Eliana Cuevas, Rosemary Galloway, Josh Grossman and Michael Shand.
The 2015 Finalists are:
Tara Davidson is a JUNO Award nominated alto and soprano saxophonist who has performed around the world at such prestigious venues as New York City's Carnegie Hall, the acclaimed North Sea Jazz Festival in the Netherlands, and The Kennedy Center, in Washington, D.C. Davidson's most significant musical influence has been saxophonist Mike Murley with whom she studied for many years. She is a graduate of the University of Toronto's Jazz Performance Program. Recently, thanks to the support of the Ontario Arts Council, Davidson studied privately with saxophonist Dick Oatts in New York City.
Justin Gray is an acoustic and electric bass player, composer, teacher and bandleader based in Toronto. His main influences include Jazz, North Indian Classical and Contemporary music. Justin has played with and worked with a number of internationally renowned artists including; Dave Liebman, Dave Douglas, Kurt Elling, Mike Stem, Cutis Fuller, Ingrid Jensen, Seamus Blake, Dan Weiss, Rudresh Mahanthappa, Greg Osby, Henry Hey and John Riley. In 2010, Justin designed and co-created the Bass Veena, a fretless bass built for Indo-Jazz music. Justin is the co-leader of two groups Monsoon, a contemporary Indo-Jazz ensemble, and Gray Matter, a jazz ensemble featuring Ingrid Jensen.
Mackenzie Longpré is a drummer and composer active in Toronto's music scene. He is an honours graduate of the University of Toronto jazz program and has studied with Jim Blackley, Bob McLaren, Terry Clarke, John Rudolph, Jim Vivian, and Frank Falco. Mackenzie is a part of many exciting projects and ensembles. He's the drummer for Shafton Thomas Group, Chloe Charles, Tara Kannangara, Alex Tait, Grannis Bea, Melanie Brulee, The Henrys, The St. Royals, The Spandettes, The Trust, Circles, Undrcovr, and Hush. Along with work as a sideman and co-leader, Mackenzie leads his own ensemble playing all original material. He has released a full-length album summer house, and an EP, A Failed Entertainment.
Toronto Arts Foundation Awards are designed to heighten public awareness of arts and artists in Toronto by shining a spotlight on artistic excellence and achievement.
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About Toronto Arts Foundation
Toronto Arts Foundation is a charitable organization that provides the opportunity for individuals, private and public foundations, corporations and government agencies to invest in and strengthen the arts in Toronto. We are powered by our vision Creative City: Block by Block, a commitment to connect every Toronto neighbourhood to the transformative social and economic benefits of the arts.
Contact information:
For more information on the Toronto Arts Foundation Awards please visit www.torontoartsfoundation.org
Jennifer Green, Associate Director, Toronto Arts Foundation
Email: jennifer@torontoarts.org or Tel: 416 392 6802 x207.