Cleveland Watkiss MBE Photo credit: Richard Kaby

A word-search for the word “jazz” in Honours Lists sometimes yields no results at all…but in the 2018 New Year Honours List there is one in the MBE’s:

Cleveland Alexander WATKISS             Jazz Vocalist, Actor and Composer. For services to Music.

(Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire)

As we wrote in this review of a show at Kings Place in 2010 : “Watkiss’s vocal compass and dexterity and electronic effects are a national monument.” Many congratulations.

There is another jazz-related result as well: 

Ian Nigel TULLY (Nigel)               For services to Music.

(Markyate, Hertfordshire)

Nigel Tully MBE Photo credit: Ted Rockley/ NYJO

Nigel is Executive Chair of the National Youth Jazz Orchestra.

As today’s press release from NYJO states: “The award was made in recognition of Nigel’s long-standing commitment to music, not only through his work at NYJO, but also more than 50 years leading his band The Dark Blues, and his contributions to the Worshipful Company of Musicians, where he was Master in 2002-2003, and helped found the jazz committee of which he is still vice-chairman.”

Many congratulations to two individuals who in their different ways continue to make their mark through their significant and long-term contributors to the sustainability and vibrancy of the  UK jazz scene.