Wilson, whose stylistic range saw him play on 50 albums, won three of the four categories he was nominated for. His Trout River took Best Australian Jazz Song of the Year. The other wins were with the Julien Wilson Quartet, whose This is Always won Best Australian Traditional Jazz Album and Best Australian Jazz Ensemble.
Monash Art Ensemble’s self titled album took Best Australian Contemporary ‘Avant-garde’ Jazz Album while one of its members, improvisational pianist Joseph O’Connor, won Young Australian Jazz Artist of the Year.
Allira Wilson’s Rise And Fall came up trumps for Best Australian Jazz Vocal Album and Andrea Keller Quartet’s Wave Rider took the gong for Best Australian Modern Jazz Album.
Influential pianist and composer Judy Bailey was inducted into the Jazz Hall of Fame.
The night was hosted by Tracey Curro. Guests included Federal Attorney General George Brandis and Dorthy Bell, wife of the late jazz pioneer Graeme Bell AO; MBE after whom the awards were named when set up in 2003. Each prize is worth $5,000.
