Announcing The Winners Of The 6th Annual JazzBuffalo Poll

JazzBuffalo is proud to announce the results of its 6^th Annual JazzBuffalo Poll.  For the second consecutive year, the poll received over 2,300 voting ballots. The poll provides an opportunity for jazz fans and JazzBuffalo readers to weigh in on recognizing their favorite jazz artists, groups, performances, and supporters. 

The poll is a reflection of the continued resurgence of the jazz scene in Greater Buffalo.  Fueled by the maturation of our next generation of jazz artists and the evolving diversity of genres infusing jazz into their music. 

Each year, the John Hunt Jazz Artist of the Year Award recognizes an individual that has made a substantial contribution to jazz in Greater Buffalo through individual performance, artistic endeavors, and contributions to the Greater Buffalo community.  This year, jazz fans across the region recognized as their favorite the ever-ubiquitous jazz trumpeter, Tim Clarke. Since moving to the area in 2006, Tim has consistently been one of the region’s most giving, contributing, and diverse jazz musicians we are most fortunate to have.

Other notable results are Taylor Made Jazz picking up wins in two categories for the first time and the huge turnout at the Chandler Street Labor Day Jazz Fest paved the way for Wendell Rivera Latin Jazz Ensemble being recognized for the most memorable jazz performance of the year. We had a rare tie in the international jazz performance category as favorites were the Bob James Trio at the Buffalo State Performing Arts Center and Veronica Swift with the Emmet Cohen Trio at the Nichols Flickinger Performing Arts Center. 

New favorites recognized this year were Richard Goss, Debra Maybach, Taylor Made Jazz, George Caldwell, My Cousin Toné, Jack Kulp, and the Easy Street Big Band.

Elliot Scozzaro received the most votes by jazz fans for this year’s Rising Star. Jonathan Hughes was recognized by voters for their favorite new CD/EP Release for his “Evenfall” project.  And, Walter Kemp, III of the Historic Colored Musicians Club is recognized by voters for the Jazz Crusader of the Year Award.

“The poll continues to be a reflection of the continued growth and impact jazz is having in our community,” said the founder of JazzBuffalo Tony Zambito.  “The diversity of jazz is quite amazing and rivals that of many larger cities. Through music, and in this case jazz, we are enriching the arts and cultural scene in Greater Buffalo. Making the area not only a great place to live but also a destination.”

The full list of those voted as favorites in the 34 categories of the 6th Annual JazzBuffalo Poll is displayed below:

The 6^th Annual JazzBuffalo Poll Winners

Jazz Tenor Saxophone – Dave Schiavone

Jazz Alto Saxophone – Bobby Militello

Jazz Baritone Saxophone – Laura Anderson

Jazz Trumpet – Richard Goss

Jazz Trombone – John Hasselback, Jr.

Jazz Guitar – Drew Azzinaro

Jazz Piano –  George Cladwell

Jazz Organ – Bobby Jones

Jazz Upright Bass – Ed Croft

Jazz Electric Bass – Jack Kulp

Jazz Vibes – Alec Dube

Jazz Drums – John Bacon, Jr.

Jazz Female Vocalist – Debra Maybach

Jazz Male Vocalist – Zach Carr

Jazz Classic Group – Bobby Militello Quartet

Jazz World – Hot Club of Buffalo

Jazz Trad/NOLA – (Buffalo) Brass Machine

Jazz Fusion – Taylor Made Jazz

Latin Jazz – Wendell Rivera Latin Jazz Ensemble

Jazz Big Band – Easy Street Big Band

Jazz Large Ensemble – My Cousin Toné

Jazz Soul/Funk – Taylor Made Jazz

Jazz Pop – The Buffalo Dolls

Jazz Venue – Pausa

Jazz Major Performing Arts Center – Kleinhans Music Hall

Most Memorable Jazz Performance  – Wendell Rivera Latin Jazz Ensemble at the Chandler Street Labor Day Jazz Fest

Most Memorable International Jazz Performance – Tie: Bob James Trio at Buffalo State Performing Arts Center and Veronica Swift and the Emmet Cohen Trio at Nichols Flickinger Performing Arts Center

Jazz CD/EP Release – Jonathan Hughes – “Evenfall”

Middle School/High School Educator – Karen Ragusa

College/University Educator – Bobby Militello

Jazz Rising Star – Elliot Scozzaro

Jazz Ex-Pat – John Hasselback, III

Jazz Crusader – Walter Kemp, III – Historic Colored Musicians Club

John Hunt Jazz Artist of the Year – Tim Clarke

(A special thanks to our sponsors for this poll, the Hotel Henry and Brian Parisi Copier, Inc.)

(Photos Credit: Jack Zuff)