Press Release
Recipients announced for the All Party Parliamentary Jazz Awards 2026
The recipients have today been announced for the 2026 Parliamentary Jazz Awards. The Awards, are organised by the All Party Parliamentary Jazz Group (APPJG) and supported by the Musicians’ Union, the Royal Society of Musicians and UK Music. The recipients of the 2026 Parliamentary Jazz Awards were announced on Tuesday 13th October 2026 at the World Heart Beat The Parliamentary Awards celebrate and recognise the vibrancy, diversity, breadth and talent of the jazz scene throughout the United Kingdom.
The award categories reflect the ever-increasing scope of talent from within the UK’s jazz scene: Jazz Vocalist of the Year; Jazz Instrumentalist of the Year; Jazz Album of the Year; Jazz Ensemble of the Year; Jazz Newcomer of the Year; Jazz Venue of the Year; Jazz Media Award; Jazz Education Award; the Services to Jazz Award and the Special APPJG Award. The Martin Hummel Award to commemorate the life and work of Martin Hummel the CEO of Ubuntu Music.
The Musicians’ Union is supporting the Parliamentary Jazz Awards 2026 and in particular a new award to celebrate the work of Music Hubs and Schools Music Services. This new award the Music Hubs and Schools Music Services Award has been organised by the All Party Parliamentary Jazz Group with assistance of Music Mark and SoundStorm.
Dame Chi Onwurah MP, Chair of APPJG, said: “These awards are a great opportunity to celebrate the talents and energies of the great musicians, educators, promoters, record labels, jazz organisations, blogs, jazz magazines and journalists who help keep jazz flourishing. These shortlists demonstrate the wealth of talent and commitment that exists in the British jazz scene. Now in its 20th year, the Parliamentary Jazz Awards honour the best of British jazz. MPs and Peers in the All Party Group are grateful to the Musicians’ Union and UK Music for supporting the event.”
Naomi Pohl, General Secretary of the MU said “ The Musicians’ Union is delighted to support the 2026 Parliamentary Jazz Awards. The recipients and nominees represent the remarkable creativity, dedication and diversity of the UK jazz scene, alongside the strong communities that help it thrive. We are particularly proud to support the new Award for Music Hubs and Schools Music Services, celebrating the organisations whose dedication to music education helps inspire and develop future generations of musicians. Congratulations to everyone recognised this year, and thank you for your invaluable contribution to jazz.”
Charlotte Penton-Smith CEO of the Royal Society of Musicians said: “RSM was delighted to support the 2026 Parliamentary Jazz Awards for the first time and to play a part in celebrating the exceptional talent, creativity and contribution of the UK jazz community. Congratulations to all this year’s recipients on their well-deserved awards and recognition. Your achievements reflect the remarkable strength, diversity and vitality of jazz across the UK, and we are proud to have joined in celebrating your success.”
Tom Kiehl Chief Executive of UK Music said: “Now in its 21st year, the Parliamentary Jazz Awards remain a powerful testament to the strength and vitality of jazz in the UK. The recipients and nominees represent the very best of a dynamic and diverse sector whose talent, creativity and influence continue to earn recognition on the world stage.”
The Awards are supported by the Musicians’ Union who are a community of over 36,000 musicians working to protect their members’ rights and campaign for a fairer music industry. With additional support from the Royal Society of Musicians which provides vital financial assistance, advice and guidance to music professionals across the UK who have been impacted by physical or mental ill health. Our support is open to all professionals whether working as performers, teachers, technicians or anything in between. Further support is provided by UK Music which is the collective voice of the UK’s world-leading music industry. They represent all sectors of the UK music industry – bringing them together to collaborate, campaign, and champion music. The new Musicians’ Union Music Hubs and Schools Music Services Award to celebrate the work of Music Hubs and Schools Music Services, was helped and supported by SoundStorm and Music Mark
The Awards were introduced by Chris Hodgkins MC for the evening, Steve Crocker of Leeds Jazz, Tom Kiehl, CEO UK Music, James Gero, CEO World Heart Beat and Julian Joseph OBE, Honorary Patron of World heart Beat, Charlotte Penton-Smith, Chief Executive, Royal Society of Musicians
Naomi Pohl Gen Sec Musicians’ Union, Chris Buglass of Music Mark, Vimala Rowe, Peter Leathem OBE, Chief Executive, PPL, Nikki Yeoh, Yvette Griffith OBE, CEO of NYJO, Neil Duncan-Jordan MP, Lord Speller, Lord Mann and Chi Onwurah MP
The band were: Andrea Vicari (piano), Alison Rayner (bass), Henry Lowther (trumpet) and Wilf Cameron Marples (drums), Amal Shaham (guitar), Reuben Abela-Adeyemi (sax), David Kayode (sax).
The full list of recipients is as follows:
Jazz Vocalist of the Year
Heidi Vogel
Heidi Vogel is one of the UK’s most compelling vocalists, known for her spellbinding work with The Cinematic Orchestra and her ability to move effortlessly between jazz, soul and Brazilian traditions. Her performances are marked by emotional depth, technical mastery and a rare capacity to hold an audience in complete stillness.
Jazz Instrumentalist of the Year
Yazz Ahmed
Yazz Ahmed is a pioneering trumpeter and composer whose fusion of jazz with Arabic music has reshaped the sound of British jazz. Her work is innovative, atmospheric and politically resonant, earning international acclaim and positioning her as one of the UK’s most influential creative voices.
Jazz Album of the Year
“Riversphere Vol. 1”
Iain Ballamy
Iain Ballamy’s Riversphere is a richly textured work blending improvisation with atmospheric writing. It reflects the depth and imagination of one of Britain’s major jazz figures.
Knats
Knats are a genre‑fluid, high‑energy young band redefining UK jazz with groove‑driven, contemporary sounds. Their creativity and musicianship have made them one of the most exciting ensembles of the moment. Knats have been shortlisted for the 2026 Mercury Prize with their second album, A Great Day In Newcastle.
Jazz Newcomer of the Year
Olivia Cuttill
Olivia Cuttill is a trumpeter of striking tone and confidence whose work across the UK scene marks her as a standout newcomer. Her musicality and presence signal a bright future.
Jazz Venue of the Year
SoundCellar (Poole)
SoundCellar is a long‑running, musician‑centred club known for adventurous programming and an intimate listening environment. SoundCellar has become a vital space for contemporary jazz and improvised music on the South Coast.
The Martin Hummel Award for Endeavour
The Martin Hummel Award for Endeavour honours the memory of Martin Hummel, a long-standing supporter of the Parliamentary Jazz Awards and the wider jazz community. Through Ubuntu Music, he championed artists with vision, integrity and generosity. The award celebrates his enduring “can-do” spirit, commitment and encouragement of others.
Donovan Haffner
Donovan Haffner showcases the strength of the UK’s emerging jazz generation. His performances highlight Haffner’s growing voice as a leader and his ensemble’s dynamic, forward‑looking sound
Richard Williams (The Blue Moment)
Richard Williams is one of Britain’s most respected jazz writers, admired for his elegant criticism, historical insight and ability to illuminate the music’s cultural significance. His work continues to shape public understanding of jazz in the UK.
Musicians’ Union Music Hubs and Schools Music Services Award
Hampshire Music Education Hub
Hampshire Music Education Hub delivers an ambitious and comprehensive jazz education programme that combines specialist tuition, ensemble participation and professional artist partnerships. Through the Hampshire County Youth Jazz Centre and extensive school engagement, the Hub creates meaningful opportunities for young musicians to develop their skills, pursue advanced study and become part of a thriving and inclusive jazz community.
Jazz Education Award
Jazz at Leeds Conservatoire
Jazz at Leeds Conservatoire – Celebrating 60 years, Jazz at Leeds Conservatoire under Jamil Sheriff has shaped generations of UK jazz musicians. Its commitment to creativity, rigour and artistic identity makes it one of the country’s most influential educational institutions
Services to Jazz Award
Jean Toussaint
Jean Toussaint is a master saxophonist and mentor whose impact on UK jazz performance and education is exceptional. His commitment to nurturing young musicians has shaped the scene for generations
Special APPJG Awards celebrating fifty years of activity and progress
606 Club
For more than four decades, the 606 Club has been one of the UK’s most important homes for live jazz, providing a platform for established artists and emerging talent alike. Renowned for its year-round programme and commitment to supporting British musicians, the club has played a vital role in sustaining London’s jazz scene while fostering excellence, diversity and artistic innovation.
Alison Rayner and Deirdre Cartwright
For over fifty years, Alison Rayner and Deirdre Cartwright have been influential figures in British jazz, celebrated as performers, composers, bandleaders and educators. Through their outstanding musical achievements and commitment to nurturing talent, they have helped shape the UK jazz landscape, inspiring generations of musicians while championing creativity, collaboration and artistic excellence
Geoff Wright – Derby Jazz, EMJazz (East Midlands Jazz) and Jazz Services
For more than fifty years, Geoff Wright has been a tireless advocate for jazz, making an exceptional contribution through Derby Jazz, EmJazz and Jazz Services. His leadership, vision and dedication have strengthened jazz infrastructure across the Midlands and beyond, supporting artists, promoting live performance and helping audiences discover and engage with jazz for generations.
Celebrating 50 Years of Birmingham Jazz
Over the past fifty years, Birmingham Jazz has built a distinctive live programme that promotes and creates opportunities for jazz, musical innovation and artistic achievement. The programme has brought together international and national artists, while giving local musicians and students a platform to write, perform and develop live work that might otherwise not have been possible. Alongside the music, Birmingham Jazz has also created exhibitions and other art forms that deepen the audience experience and celebrate the wider culture around jazz.
Ends
13th October
Notes to the Editor
The awards are organised by the All Party Parliamentary Jazz Group (APPJG), co-chaired ”. by Dame Chi Onwurah MP and Lord Mann.
The All Party Parliamentary Jazz Group (APPJG) currently has over 70 members from the House of Commons and House of Lords across all political parties. Their aim is to encourage wider and deeper enjoyment of jazz, to increase Parliamentarians’ understanding of the jazz industry and issues surrounding it, to promote jazz as a musical form and to raise its profile inside and outside Parliament. The Group’s officers as at the Inaugural Meeting on 20th November 2025 are the Chair, Dame Chi Onwurah MP and Deputy Chair, Lord Mann. The Officers are Baroness Nicholson with additional elected members, Neil Duncan-Jordan MP, Lord Spellar and Sarah Champion MP.
Recent reports can be seen here:
Submission to the open consultation on Copyright and Artificial Intelligence from Chris Hodgkins
Review of Jazz in England March 2025
State of Play: submission to the Culture Media and Sport committee
ACE Review a response from the All Party Parliamentary Jazz Group
The Secretary is Chris Hodgkins with the assistance of Simon Jennings and Will Riley-Smith of NorthPoint Strategy and Joe Paice.. The Secretary operates on a strictly pro bono basis and no expenses of any kind are paid to the Secretary. The contact address is: admin@appjag.org and the website is https://appjag.org/
