Saxophonist Wayne Shorter Wins 3 Jazz Awards

Saxophonist-composer Wayne Shorter is a triple winner in the 2013 Jazz Awards presented by the Jazz Journalists Association.

Shorter was a member of Miles Davis’ legendary mid-1960s quintet and co-founded the fusion band Weather Report. He won awards for lifetime achievement in jazz, top soprano saxophonist and best small ensemble.

Veteran trumpeter Wadada Leo Smith has been recognized as jazz musician of the year and best trumpeter. Smith’s civil rights-themed composition “Ten Freedom Summers” was a 2013 Pulitzer Prize finalist.

Photo: AP Photo

Skopje Jazz Festival, Skopje, Macedonia

The JJA said in an announcement Wednesday the Album of the Year award went to newcomer Ryan Truesdell, for Centennial: Newly Discovered Works of Gil Evans. His Gil Evans Project band was chosen best large ensemble.