20.06.2012
US jazz journalists vote Rudresh Mahanthappa and Vijay Iyer as thier favourites

Rudresh Mahanthappa - © Ethan Levitas
Vijay Iyer and Rudresh Mahanthappa have won the prestigious American "Jazz Journalists Association Jazz Award". The awards were presented by the Jazz Journalists Association at the 16th annual JJA Jazz Awards Awards gala on June 20, 2012 at the Blue Note Jazz Club in New York City.

Vijay Iyer, who already won the award as musician of the year in 2010, was voted pianist of the year, prevailing against the other nominees Keith Jarrett, Matthew Shipp and Craig Taborn. Rudresh Mahanthappa was awarded alto-saxophonist of the year, surpassing Lee Konitz, Phil Woods and Miguel Zenon. It is Rudresh Mahanthappa’s fourth award in a row in this category, which he already won 2009, 2010 and 2011.

The Jazz Journalists Association Jazz Award is one of the most important international jazz awards. The winners are determined by an independent jury of renowned jazz journalists.

Press quotes:

Vijay Iyer Trio „Accelerando“ (ACT 9524-2)

The Vijay Iyer Trio has the potential to alter the scope, ambition and language of jazz piano forever. (Jazzwise)

An early front-runner for jazz album of the year. (The New York Times)

Rudresh Mahanthappa „Samdhi“ (ACT 9513-2)

The work of a consistently original world musician. (The Guardian)

Cerebral postmodern jazz with a distinctively spicy flavour. (London Evening Standard)

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