Josh Arcoleo wins the inaugural Kenny Wheeler Jazz Prize.

Friday, July 08, 2011

Young saxophonist Joah Arcoleo was recently awarded the prestigious Kenny Wheeler Jazz Prize for 2011. Further details attached.

Edition Records have forwarded us the following press release regarding this award;

Edition Records and The Royal Academy of Music are pleased to announce that the first winner of the ?Kenny Wheeler Jazz Prize? is the outstanding saxophonist Josh Arcoleo.

The Kenny Wheeler Jazz Prize is awarded each year to a young artist who is able to demonstrate excellence in both performance and composition, chosen from all graduating jazz musicians at the Royal Academy of Music, and the Edition record label will release the debut recording of the winner. The first recipient of this
exciting award, Josh Arcoleo, will release his debut album in Spring 2012.

The judging panel met on June 28th, consisting of Edition Records boss Dave Stapleton, the Academy’s Head of Jazz Nick Smart, and lifelong collaborator of Wheeler’s, saxophonist Evan Parker. The official announcement was made at the Academy’s graduation ceremony on June 30th and Kenny Wheeler
personally contacted Josh Arcoleo to pass on his congratulations.

Evan Parker said: ?This was not an easy job at the outset because the standard from all the entrants was not only at a very high level, but represented diverse approaches to the music. Closer listening made it clear that one musician stood out to be a clear winner. Fortunately we arrived at this decision with complete unanimity, always a good sign! Josh’s decision to enter as a saxophonist in a trio setting was very bold, but he has a commanding presence both as writer and improviser, which fully justified this award in Kenny Wheeler’s name.?

Edition Records boss Dave Stapleton also commented: ?It was very clear on listening to Josh that he hasgreat maturity in both his playing and writing as well as a great command on his instrument. He is a supremely gifted musician and a very worthy prize winner who is destined for great things. It is extremely exciting for us, at Edition, to have this opportunity to collaborate with the Royal Academy of Music and work with such wonderful musicians and I’m very much looking forward to working with Josh in releasing his debut album on Edition?.

Josh Arcoleo
Josh Arcoleo took up the saxophone at the age of 13 with the legendary Pee Wee Ellis as his mentor. He gained a place on the renowned Royal Academy of Music jazz course in 2007 and continued to tour Europe with Pee Wee’s ‘Assembly’ and ‘Still Black, Still Proud’ band. He has played at venues and festivals across Europe including Blue Note Milan, Copenhagen, Pori and Glastonbury festivals, the Barbican and Royal Festival Hall. Musicians he has worked with include Jason Rebello, Tony Remy, Linley Marthe, Fred Wesley and as well as performing with his own trio he is a member of the Kit Downes Sextet. appearing with them at the 2011 Cheltenham Jazz Festival.

EDITION RECORDS http://www.editionrecords.com

ROYAL ACADEMY OF MUSIC Jazz Department http://www.ram.ac.uk