Sebastian writes:

The winners of the 2019 Peter Whittingham Jazz Awards are announced: All three winners are saxophonists. The main award goes to Sam Healey and Skeltr.  Sam is an alto player from Manchester,  and was formerly  in the band Beats&Pieces. Leeds-based Emma Johnson, who has been a member of the Northern Line initiative from Jazz North, and Highlands-born, Glasgow- based Matt Carmichael both will receive the Development Awards to fund their debut albums.

L-R: Emma Johnson, Sam Jesson, Matt Carmichael

Here is the full text of the Press Release from Help Musicians UK. 

“Help Musicians has announced the 2019 Peter Whittingham Jazz Award recipients, supporting three promising jazz acts across touring, promotion, production and more.

Sam Healey and his band Skeltr will receive the £5,000 Peter Whittingham Jazz Award while Emma Johnson and Matt Carmichael both will receive £2,500 in development awards.

Sam Healey plans to use the award on the production, promotion and touring of his second album, which will include recording, mixing and mastering the album with the help of George Atkins at 80Hertz Studio, as well as enlisting the director Georgiana Ghetiu and animator Benjac to produce two videos for his lead singles. Additionally, the funds will be used to promote live shows, cover touring costs and for a three-day rehearsal with a hired sound technician in preparation for live performances.

Regarding winning the award, Sam Healey said: “It’s an absolute honour to receive the Peter Whittingham award 2019. The chance for serious career progress is the highlight of this opportunity for me. Not only the financial support to carry out my musical plans to the highest possible standard, but the opportunity to connect with important and influential people through this success gives me greater prospects and a much wider audience than I ever could have had before. Thank you Help Musicians!”

Development award winners Emma Johnson and Matt Carmichael will both be using the funding towards the recording, production and promotion of their respective debut albums.

Now in its 29th year, The Peter Whittingham Jazz Award is open to emerging jazz musicians and groups with the creativity, ambition and commitment to develop a sustainable career in jazz. Artists should be at a tipping point in their career and able to demonstrate that their proposed project will help them take their art to the next level.”

SOURCE: Help Musicians UK