Montreal, Friday, July 5, 2013 — The Festival International de Jazz de Montréal in collaboration with TD—official sponsor and presenter of the event—are today pleased to be awarding the TD Grand Jazz Award to the Hutchinson Andrew Trio, which was deemed best of 9 other jazz ensembles who took part in the pan-Canadian competition. The jury made a special mention of the Emie R Roussel Trio, who will return to the Festival next year.
The Galaxie Rising Star Award was bestowed for the best composition, the 2013 prize going to Shirantha Beddage for his pieces Baker’s Dozen and Winds of Change.
The Hutchinson Andrew Trio was presented the 2013 TD Grand Jazz Award by Laurent Saulnier, Vice-President Programming & Production, at a press conference, today at 2 p.m. in the Salle Stevie Wonder of Maison du Festival Rio Tinto Alcan. The group performs tonight on the TD stage at 6 p.m. with André Leroux as a special guest.
Hutchinson Andrew Trio
Very popular out west, this Alberta combo consisting of Kodi Hutchinson (double bass), Chris Andrew (piano) and Karl Schwonik (drums), specializes in contemporary acoustic jazz—their influences include such notables as Brad Mehldau and Aaron Parks… In their 2nd Festival appearance, the boys of HAT introduced us to their solid 3rd album, Prairie Modern, with their special guest André Leroux.
2013 TD Grand Jazz Award
The TD Grand Jazz Award entails:
• The 2013 TD Grand Jazz Award and a $5,000 grant from TD;
• The opportunity to present a second concert on July 7 at 6 p.m. on the TD stage;
• An invitation to take part in the 2014 Festival International de Jazz de Montréal, all expenses paid by the Festival;
• Fifty hours of studio time and mastering at Karisma Studio;
• An invitation to perform at Festi Jazz International de Rimouski, 2014 edition.
• An invitation to perform at the Festival de Jazz de Québec, 2013 edition.
Galaxie Rising Star Award
Galaxie is proud to be associated with the TD Grand Jazz Award. The 2013 Galaxie Rising Star Award is going to Shirantha Beddage for his pieces Baker’s Dozen and Winds of Change, considered by the jury to be the best compositions presented in this year’s contest. In addition to a $5,000 grant, the winner will have his music played on one or many jazz channels offered by Galaxie. By encouraging these upcoming stars, Galaxie is fulfilling one of its heartfelt objectives.
A springboard for Canadian jazz ensembles
Created in 1982 by the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal, the Grand Jazz Award has become a springboard for local musicians with bright futures in jazz. Every summer, the awarding of the TD Grand Jazz Award has increasingly drawn the interest of the general public, as well as observers of the national and international jazz scenes, giving that last big boost to groups or artists on the verge of general recognition.
Ten Canadian groups and artists were in competition for the TD Grand Jazz Award 2013. Besides the winners— the Hutchinson Andrew Trio (Alberta) and the Shirantha Beddage Quartet (Ontario)—, competing this year were: the Emie R Roussel Trio, Ryan Olivier (Ontario), Jérôme Beaulieu, Becky Noble (Québec-British Columbia), Guillaume Bouchard, the Simon Legault Quartet, Pugs & Crows (British Columbia) and the Tyson Naylor Trio (British Columbia).
The 2013 jury was comprised of: Michael Bourne (WBGO New York), Pierre-Jean Lavigne (Galaxie programmer), Martin Roussel (Festi Jazz International de Rimouski programmer), and Alain Bédard (Effendi Records president and artistic director).
Take note that last year’s recipient, Robi Botos, gave a free exterior concert yesterday, Thursday, July 4, at 6 p.m., as part of Les Gammes TD series on the TD stage of the Place des Festivals.
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Source:
Festival International de Jazz de Montréal — Press Room: 514 288-5299
Media Information:
Greg Kitzler, Director — Media Relations — 514 288-5299; greg.kitzler@equipespectra.ca
Maude Laberge-Boudreau, Publicist — 514 288-5299; maude.labergeboudreau@equipespectra.ca
Vincent Lefebvre, International and Travel Media Relations—514 288-5299; vincent.lefebvre@equipespectra.ca
Public Information: La Presse Info Jazz Line — 514 871 1881 or toll free 1 85JAZZFEST; montrealjazzfest.com
For more information on The Hutchinson Andrew Trio
www.chronographrecords.com
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Irene Carroll Et Associates
Public and Media Relations
Irene Carroll, Strategist
t] 416.366.5473
e] irene@iseeassociates.ca
