The recipients of the 20th Parliamentary Jazz Awards were announced tonight at the World Heart Beat venue in London’s Nine Elms. These Awards celebrate and recognise the vibrancy, diversity, breadth and talent of the jazz scene throughout the UK. The event is organised by the All Party Parliamentary Jazz Group (APPJG) and supported by the Musicians’ Union and UK Music. My son Ben and I had volunteered to assist principal organiser Chris Hodgkins on the night and acted as a welcoming team for the attendees and guests.
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 have kept jazz flourishing. These recipients demonstrate the wealth of talent and commitment that exists in the British jazz scene. Now in their 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.’
Lord Mann, Co-Chair of APPJG, added ‘This has been another really strong year for the Parliamentary Jazz Awards in terms of talent and nominations. The well-deserved recipients are a veritable who’s who of names that have made a real impact on the music and helped make the UK one of the world’s leading jazz territories.’
Naomi Pohl, General Secretary of the Musicians’ Union, said ‘The MU is delighted to support the 2025 Parliamentary Jazz Awards. The recipients reflect both the phenomenal jazz talent we have here in the UK and the community built around them in the nations and regions. Congratulations to the recipients and all those nominated on their success to date.’
Tom Kiehl, Chief Executive of UK Music, added ‘The Parliamentary Jazz Awards, now in their 20th year, have demonstrated that Jazz in the UK continues to punch above its weight on the world stage and every year has produced a crop of recipients and nominees that demonstrate the talent and diversity of jazz in the UK.’
The Awards were introduced and presented by Lord Mann and Chi Onwurah MP; Chris Hodgkins; Emily Saunders of the Musicians’ Union Executive Committee; Sam Jackson, Controller of BBC Radio 3; Leslie Hummel; Mhari Aurora, political correspondent for Sky News; Steve Crocker of Leeds Jazz; Tom Kiehl, CEO of UK Music; James Gero, CEO of World Heart Beat; Julian Joseph, Honorary Patron of World Heart Beat; Jane Cornwell; and highly-respected jazz journalist, Jon Newey.
The live band was led by Andrea Vicari (piano), who was joined by Alison Rayner (bass), Tori Freestone (sax), Henry Lowther (trumpet) and Wilf Cameron Marples (drums).
The full list of recipients is as follows:
Jazz Vocalist of the Year: Zara McFarlane
Zara McFarlane is a multi-award-winning British jazz vocalist, composer, and Guildhall Fellow, known for her blending of jazz with reggae, folk, and electronic influences. Her acclaimed albums, including “Arise” and “Songs of an Unknown Tongue”, explore heritage and identity with lyrical depth. A BBC Young Jazz Musician judge, she has collaborated with Louie Vega, Hugh Masekela and Shabaka Hutchings, and performed globally with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. McFarlane’s genre-defying artistry and commitment to cultural storytelling have made her a leading voice in contemporary UK jazz.
Jazz Instrumentalist of the Year: Rob Luft
Rob Luft is a London-born guitarist and composer whose dazzling technique and melodic sensibility have earned comparisons to Julian Lage and John McLaughlin. A Royal Academy graduate and BBC New Generation Jazz Artist, he has released acclaimed albums on Edition Records and ECM, including collaborations with Elina Duni. Luft’s genre-blending style draws on jazz, West African highlife, English folk and indie rock, creating a vibrant, contemporary sound. He is a sought-after sideman and soloist, performing across Europe and beyond.
Jazz Album of the Year: John Surman, ‘Words Unspoken’
Recorded in Oslo, “Words Unspoken” is a contemplative chamber-jazz album from saxophonist John Surman, featuring Rob Luft, Rob Waring and Thomas Strønen. Surman’s baritone and soprano saxophones weave through minimalist textures and folk-inflected melodies, creating spacious, introspective soundscapes. At nearly 80, Surman continues to innovate, crafting music that is quietly radical and deeply resonant.
Jazz Ensemble of the Year: The Banger Factory
Led by trumpeter Mark Kavuma, The Banger Factory is a dynamic London-based jazz collective known for its joyful energy, rich ensemble sound, and commitment to nurturing emerging talent. Blending hard bop, gospel, Afrobeat, and soul, the group has released acclaimed albums including Warriors and Magnum Opus. Kavuma’s launch of Banger Factory Records has amplified their creative vision and supported a new generation of artists. Regulars at Ronnie Scott’s and major UK festivals, The Banger Factory are celebrated for their vibrant performances and community-driven ethos.
Jazz Newcomer of the Year: Donovan Haffner
Donovan Haffner is a London-based alto saxophonist and composer whose music bridges neo-bop tradition with contemporary flair. A graduate of the Royal Academy of Music and a Tomorrow’s Warriors alumnus, he has toured with Moses Boyd and performed at Glastonbury and Love Supreme. His debut album “Alleviate” showcases his quintet’s original compositions, marked by rhythmic drive and melodic sophistication. Donovan’s playing is both technically assured and emotionally resonant, positioning him as a compelling new voice in British jazz.
Jazz Venue of the Year: Digbeth Jazz
Digbeth Jazz is Birmingham’s reimagined weekly jazz night, formerly known as Jazz at The Spotted Dog and now hosted at The Night Owl. Run by local musicians, it showcases modern and swinging jazz with a fresh, inclusive vibe. The rebrand has expanded its reach, attracted diverse audiences and international artists, plus maintained its grassroots spirit. With a focus on community, innovation, and musical excellence, Digbeth Jazz has become a vital fixture in the Midlands jazz scene.
Jazz Media Award: ‘Round Midnight with Soweto Kinch
Launched in April 2024, ‘Round Midnight is BBC Radio 3’s flagship late-night jazz show, hosted by saxophonist Soweto Kinch and produced by Folded Wing. Airing weeknights, it features live sessions, curated playlists, and festival recordings, spotlighting UK jazz alongside global traditions. With segments like “4/4” and “Flowers,” the show blends heritage and innovation and has become a vital platform for emerging artists and jazz storytelling.
Jazz Education Award: Doncaster Youth Jazz Orchestra
Established in 1973 by John Ellis MBE, DYJO is one of the UK’s longest-running youth jazz programmes. Operating under the Doncaster Youth Jazz Association, it offers expert tuition and ensemble experience across four bands. DYJO has performed at the Royal Albert Hall, Ronnie Scott’s, and internationally with alumni now active across the UK jazz scene. Celebrating its 50th anniversary with a double album, DYJO remains a beacon of excellence in regional jazz education.
The Martin Hummel Endeavour Award: Olivia Cuttill
Martin was on the selection panel of the Parliamentary Jazz Awards for many years and helped in raising sponsorship for the Awards. At the last meeting of the panel this year it was felt that the event should celebrate Martin’s extraordinary life with an Award that would reflect his own ethos, which in a nutshell was “can do”. Martin was CEO of Ubuntu Music and sadly passed away in January of this year.
Olivia Cuttill is a rising trumpeter, composer, and bandleader who graduated from Leeds Conservatoire in 2023. She leads her own quintet and has released several albums, including “Three’s A Crowd” and “The Whole Damn Plan”, showcasing a vibrant blend of swing, storytelling, and vocal-led jazz. An ‘Emerging Professional’ with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, Olivia is known for her expressive playing, strong compositional voice, and dynamic live performances. Her work reflects a deep engagement with tradition while carving out a fresh, contemporary sound. Her latest album #2….And Writing And Singing And Tunes To Be Swingin’, has just been released and is available on her Bandcamp page.
Services to Jazz Award: Marianne Windham
Marianne Windham is a double bassist and tireless jazz promoter who left a successful career in software engineering to dedicate herself to music. She co-founded Fleet Jazz Club and chairs Guildford Jazz, a not-for-profit organisation that has hosted over 250 concerts, workshops, and festivals across Surrey. Known as a musician for her warm playing tone and community spirit, Marianne has raised over £36,000 for local causes while championing British jazz musicians. Her dual role as performer and organiser has made her a vital force in sustaining regional jazz culture and fostering inclusive, high-quality live music experiences.
Special APPJG Award: Chris Philips
Chris Philips is an award-winning broadcaster, curator, and advocate for contemporary jazz. Best known for hosting The Blueprint on Jazz FM, he’s a former Head of Music at the station and co-founder of Jazzed, the world’s first interactive jazz app. He co-curates Jazz in the Round with Jez Nelson, spotlighting cutting-edge artists in intimate venues across the UK. A passionate supporter of new music and innovation, Chris is also a patron of the National Jazz Archive. His work has helped shape the sound and visibility of modern jazz in Britain, both on air and on stage.
The awards are organised by the All Party Parliamentary Jazz Group (APPJG), co-chaired by Dame Chi Onwurah MP and Lord Mann. The Group currently has over 70 members from the House of Commons and the House of Lords, and across all political parties. Their aim is to encourage wider and deeper enjoyment of jazz, to increase Parliamentarians’ understanding of the jazz industry and the 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 of 23rd July 2024 are the Chair, Dame Chi Onwurah MP and Deputy Chair, Lord Mann. The Officers are Jo White MP and Lord Crathorne with additional elected members, Neil Duncan-Jordan MP, Lord Spellar and Sarah Champion MP.
