JazzBuffalo has revealed the results of its 9th Annual Readers Poll. More than 1700 ballots were submitted across 36 categories, giving Western New York’s jazz enthusiasts, audiences, and readers a chance to show support for their favorite jazz artists, groups and performances.
My Cousin Toné earned Jazz Large Ensemble of the Year, known for hosting the immensely popular JazzMonday at Tappo Rooftop Patio, as well as an appearance at the Northwest Jazz Festival in Lewiston. The group’s standout performance featured Carolyn Lansom and claimed the top spot for the 2023 Most Memorable Jazz Performance of the Year, surpassing last year’s winner, The Ed Croft Trio: A Charlie Brown Christmas.
Lázara Martinez was recognized as the Jazz Crusader of the Year, for their dedication to championing jazz at Pausa Art House, and for invaluable contributions to the vibrant jazz community in Buffalo.
The JazzBuffalo Poll gives audiences, jazz fans, and the community a real voice in recognizing their favorites each year. The engaging participation in the poll is indicative of how jazz has evolved into a vibrant community that truly enriches Buffalo’s arts and culture.
Tony Zambito, the founder and Executive Director of JazzBuffalo
Check out the winners and runner-ups in the 36 categories of the 9th Annual JazzBuffalo Readers Poll.
The 9th Annual JazzBuffalo Readers Poll Winners
Jazz Tenor Saxophone – Dave Schiavone
Runner-up: Nelson Rivera
Jazz Alto Saxophone – Elliot Scozzaro
Runner up: Dave Schiavone
Jazz Baritone Saxophone – Laura Anderson
Runner-up: Harry Fackelman
Jazz Trumpet – Tim Clarke
Runner up: Griffith “Kaz” Kazmierczak
Jazz Trombone – Brendan Lanighan
Runner up: John Hasselback, Jr.
Jazz Guitar – Stu Weissman
Runner up: Jared Tinkham
Jazz Piano – Lisa Hasselback
Runner up: George Caldwell
Jazz Organ – Doug “Trigger” Gaston
Runner up: Joe Baudo
Jazz Accompaniment – Elliot Scozzaro – Flute
Runner up: E.J. Koeppel – Violin
Jazz Upright Bass – Ed Croft
Runner up: Nathan Kalnitz
Jazz Electric Bass – Nathan Kalnitz
Runner up: Ed Croft
Jazz Vibes – Alec Dube
Runner up: Jamie Sunshine
Jazz Drums – John Bacon, Jr.
Runner up: Damone A-Miracale Jackson’
Jazz Percussion – Wendell Rivera
Runner up: Jamie Sunshine
Jazz Female Vocalist – Alex McArthur
Runner up: Molly Colton
Jazz Male Vocalist – Jack Civiletto
Runner up: Dalton Sharp
Jazz Classic Standard Group – The Jay Sharp-tet
Runner up: John Bacon Quintet
Jazz World – Hot Club of Buffalo
Runner up: Buffalo Tango Orchestra
Jazz Trad/NOLA/Swing – Brass Machine
Runner up: Morgan Street Stompers
Jazz Fusion – Damone Jackson Outcome
Runner up: Ellen Pieroni’s Encyclopedia of Soul
Latin Jazz – Wendell Rivera Latin Jazz Ensemble
Runner up: Sol Y Sambra
Jazz Big Band – Easy Street Big Band
Runner up: Ladies First Jazz Big Band
Jazz Large Ensemble – My Cousin Toné
Runner up: Ladies First Jazz Combo
Jazz Soul/Funk – Tie: The Dave Hill Group and Organ Fairchild
Runner up: Carina & The Six String Preacher
Jazz Pop and Retro – Buffalo Dolls
Runner up: Miller and The Other Sinners
Jazz Venue – Pausa Art House
Runner up: Sportsmen Tavern
Jazz Major Performing Arts Center – Kleinhans Music Hall
Runner up: Buffalo AKG Art Museum Auditorium
Most Memorable Jazz Performance – My Cousin Toné w/Carolyn Lansom – Northwest Jazz Festival in Lewiston, NY
Runner up: Ed Croft Trio “A Charlie Brown Christmas” – Seneca One Auditorium
Most Memorable International Jazz Performance – Pat Metheny Solo – UB Center for Performing Arts
Runner up: Both Sides of Joni – A Jazz Tribute to Joni Mitchell – Seneca One
Jazz CD/EP Release – Brendan Lanighan Octet – “A Little Optimism”
Runner up: John Bacon Quintet – “Revolution Blues”
Middle School/High School Educator – Phil Aguglia
Runner up: John Hasselback, Jr.
College/University Educator – John Bacon, Jr.
Runner up: George Caldwell
Jazz Rising Star – Elliot Scozzaro
Runner up: Alex McArthur
Jazz Ex-Pat – Stephen Parisi
Runner up: Don Menza
Jazz Crusader – Lázara Martinez – Pausa Art House
Runner up: Jack Zuff – Photographer / JazzBuffalo Contributor
John Hunt Jazz Artist of the Year – Elliot Scozzaro
Runner up: George Caldwell
Elliot Scozzaro – John Hunt Jazz Artist of the Year
Elliot has been very active in promoting and teaching jazz in the WNY area. He not only teaches at both SUNY Buffalo State and SUNY Fredonia, he also tours with Al Stewart &The Empty Pockets, and Louis Prima Jr. He composes, arranges, and then performs on sax and flute all over WNY.
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