Global Events

5th Annual Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards

5TH ANNUAL CANADIAN SMOOTH JAZZ AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED

WARREN HILL TOPS THE LIST WITH THREE AND EARL KLUGH RECEIVES GEORGE BENSON LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Toronto - Canada's annual Smooth Jazz celebration took place at the Living Arts Centre in Mississauga last night with an all-star cast.

Warren Hill led the list of winners with three Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards. The popular saxophonist won for 'Wind Instrumentalist of the Year,' 'Best Original Composition' for 'La Dolce Vita' (co-written by Nathan East and Sam
Purkin) and the CD of the same name picked up 'Album of the Year.'  With his newest honours, Hill also becomes the winningest artist in the history of the awards with six since 2005.

As in previous years, awards were split between Canadian and International categories.  Winners in the latter category included multi-instrumentalist Brian Culbertson who picked up 'International Instrumentalist of the Year'
and Seal won 'International Vocalist.' Super-group Fourplay won in the 'Group' Category.

Flamenco guitarist Jesse Cook picked up 'Guitarist of the Year.' He also won in the same category in 2006 and 2008.

Toronto's Daniela Nardi won her first Canadian Smooth Jazz Award last night. She took home 'Female Vocalist of the Year.'

International sensation Robin Thicke whose R&B flavored music has sold millions was awarded 'Male Vocalist of the Year.'

Other winners include Steve Heathcote as the first winner of the new category 'Drummer/Percussionist of the year' and Fred Engler won in the 'Keyboardist/Pianist' category.Stu Berketo of Wave 94.7 FM in Toronto/Hamilton was awarded 'Broadcaster of the Year."

The night was filled with amazing performances including that of 'Lifetime Achievement'' winner  Earl Klugh. The legendary guitarist followed in the footsteps of previous winners, George Benson, Bob James, Spyro Gyra and Lee
Ritenour.

Performers included Nick Colionne, Brian Culbertson, DeNate with Darren Rahn, Kellylee Evans, Gabriel Mark Hasselbach, Warren Hill, Michael Lington, Ray Parker Jr., Chris Smith with Phil Poppa, and Alexander Zonjic.

2009 CSJA Winners
Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards
Living Arts Centre, Mississauga

FRIDAY April 24   8pm-11pm

International Instrumentalist of the Year
Brian Culbertson

International Vocalist of the Year
Seal

International Group of the Year
Fourplay

Female Vocalist of the Year
Daniela Nardi

Male Vocalist of the Year
Robin Thicke

Guitarist/Bass Guitarist of the Year
Jesse Cook

Wind Instrumentalist of the Year
Warren Hill

Album of the Year
La Dolce Vita             Warren Hill                E1 Music  (Koch)

Best Original Composition
"La Dolce Vita"                                 Warren Hill, Nathan East, Sam Purkin