The Deutscher JazzPreis (German Jazz Prize) is a prestigious awards show founded in 2021 by the German ministry of culture. This year’s second annual awards will be taking place in Bremen. Celebrating the brightest talents in German Jazz, the show on April 27 will take place at the same time as the Jazzahead convention. The Orchard is proud to announce that 18 of our distributed artists have secured a nomination across categories, from instrumentation to international debut album to vocals.
Nominated in the Vokal International (international vocals) category, Veronica Swift’s stunning jazz vocals shine in every project she puts out. Her recent album, This Bitter Earth, artfully showcases her musical prowess. The 13 tracks exemplify this virtuoso’s wide range, from title track “This Bitter Earth” to “Sing.” Whether she is accompanied by soft piano or smooth bass, Swift’s vocals have the undeniable ability to affect listeners worldwide. Whether in Germany or abroad, audience members are sure to love her dulcet tones.
Sebastian Studnitzky is a multi-talented artist who has found success in a variety of genres. While gifted in classical and electronic music, he finds his home in jazz, having graced stages around the world with his performances. Nominated in the brass instruments category, the jazz giant recently launched XJAZZ!, his own label and Berlin-based festival. Increasingly devoted to his solo material, listeners can expect to continue hearing from the artist.
The Orchard’s distributed label has swept the JazzPreis nominations this year with five artists earning a spot on the list. In the Piano category, Pablo Held shines with world-class talent. Having studied jazz in Cologne, he now holds his own concert series, frequently collaborates with other virtuosos, and plays in one of the longest-running jazz trios in Europe, the Pablo Held Trio.
In the Strings category, Gilad Hekselman has released 9 critically-acclaimed records and shows no signs of stopping anytime soon. His 10th upcoming record, Far Star, will be released on Edition Records in May 2022. Hekselman is a talent on many instruments, rightfully earning his place on this list and solidifying himself as one of the best instrumentalists of our generation.
Daniel Herskedal joins the nominees in the International Albums category, hailing from Norway. He recently took home a Spellemann award in 2020 for his solo album, Call for Winter. His spellbinding artistry has undoubtedly continued into 2022. Stunning German audiences with his sixth album, Harbour, it is no surprise that he takes a spot on this prestigious list.
In international vocals, Gretchen Parlato reaffirms her reputation as one of the most inventive vocalists of her generation. Parlato’s over 85 album features and Grammy nominations speak for themselves. Her over 20 year career shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon, with recent project Flor delightfully showing off her vocals.
The final nominee from Edition is Kurt Elling, also in the International vocals category. The two-time Grammy winner is no stranger to the stage. Marking a triumphant continuation of his decorated career, his nomination to the JazzPreis is a celebration of his indisputable vocal ability and raw talent.
Congratulations to all of The Orchard’s nominated distributed labels and artists, listed below!
Woodwind Instruments
Tini Thomsen (Jazzhaus)
Brass Instruments
Shannon Barnett (Challenge/ Double Moon)
Sebastian Studnitzky (XJazz)
Piano
Pablo Held (Edition)
Other Instruments
Illvibe (BMC)
Fabiana Striffler (Traumton)
International Piano
Sylvie Courvoisier (Pyroclastic)
Craig Taborn (Pyroclastic)
International String Instruments
Gilad Hekselman (Edition)
International Drums
Nasheet Waits
Chris Dave
(both on Petter Eldh Projekt Drums, Vol 1)
Debut Album
Olicia (Membran)
International Album
Daniel Herskedal (Edition)
International Vocals
Gretchen Parlato (Edition)
Veronica Swift (Mack Avenue)
Kurt Elling (Edition)
International Debut
Michael Mayo (Mack Avenue)
Broadcast Production
Monika Roscher Bigband (Membran)
