The Jazz Composition Award supports independent musicians and composers who are expanding the medium of jazz composition and developing original works. Meet the shortlist:
Romarna Campbell
Romarna is a drummer, producer and composer of jazz and hip-hop-infused music.
Daniel Casimir
Daniel is a composer, producer and bassist, and released his debut album “Boxed In” in 2021.
Jas Kayser
Jas Kayser is a drummer, composer and band leader, and released her debut album “Jas 5ive“ in 2022.
Luca Manning
Luca Manning is a contemporary music artist and was a resident artist at London’s iconic Roundhouse in 2022/23.
With thanks to our independent Jury members Gilles Peterson, DJ, Broadcaster, and founder of Brownswood Recordings; Sheila Maurice-Grey, Musician and band leader of Kokoroko; and Soweto Kinch, Saxophonist, composer, poet, MC, and producer, who said:
“It was a great joy to listen to such diverse and virtuosic submissions for this award: providing a glimpse into how diverse and vibrant the UK jazz scene currently is. All of the shortlisted artists brought personality, skill and an exciting sense of vision to their work; it’s exceptional to see such creative, distinctive and original approaches to the same idiom. Romarna Campbell has a flare for composition, great musicianship and a distinctive vision for how to build a collective of like-minds. Daniel Casimir has a unique compositional approach, blending new pathways between Jazz and classical music. Jas Kayser virtuosic playing and energy is guaranteed to make her a generational voice for UK jazz. Luca Manning’s music and message is arresting and original – his voice as an instrument is both enchanting and fresh. I can’t wait to see what each of these artists go on to create in the near future.”
The Arts Foundation has a long history of music artists, with recent past fellows such as Sam Lee, Love Ssega and Iceboy Violet. Mary Jane Edwards, Director of The Arts Foundation says:
“We’re hugely excited to resource the incredible shortlisted artists and the growing momentum in jazz composition working in partnership with PRS Foundation. Jazz is still often under-supported by mainstream funds and the commercial music industry, so we’re pleased to spotlight the highly collaborative and boundary-pushing practices of the next generation of jazz music artists.”
The Jazz Composition Award is supported in partnership with PRS Foundation and Joe Frankland CEO of PRS Foundation said:
“We’re delighted to support this timely Jazz Composition Award in partnership with the Arts Foundation. The shortlisted musicians are a testament to the breadth and vibrancy of the UK Jazz scene at the moment, all of whom are pursuing new sounds and blending genres in such an energetic and inspiring way. We’re very much looking forward to the awards ceremony in February and seeing the long-term impact of the fellowship and bursaries on the shortlisted music creators’ careers.”
The Arts Foundation Futures Awards support the UK’s most promising artists and creatives at a pivotal moment in their careers to enable them to concentrate on their creative development, experiment, and realise their artistic potential. The recipient of the £10,000 Fellowship will be revealed on 28 February 2024, with all artists receiving £1,000 towards their practice.