Former Leeds Conservatoire student Ashley Henry has been nominated for ‘Album of the Year’ as part of the Jazz FM Awards 2020. Facing stiff competition, his album will be pitted against the likes of Binker Golding, Branford Marsalis Quartet, Jazzmeia Horn, Seed Ensemble and Yazz Ahmed – all nominees in the same category.
Signed to Sony Music, Ashley’s debut album ‘Beautiful Vinyl Hunter’ was released in September 2019 and has since received much critical acclaim. The record was featured ‘BBC Radio 6 Music recommends… album of the year’, shortlisted for ‘Jazz Album of the Year’ as part of the Worldwide Awards 2020 and won 'Album of the Year' at the Jazz Japan Awards.
Ashley has performed with some of jazz’s greatest musicians and ensembles - including Jean Toussaint, Terence Blanchard, Esperanza Spalding, Derrick Hodge and The Outlook Orchestra. Gig highlights involve supporting Marcus Miller during the Serious London Jazz Festival at the Royal Festival Hall, a performance at the International Piano Trio Festival at Ronnie Scott’s and performing to a sell-out audience at EArtH Hackney as part of the 2019 EFG London Jazz Festival. Most recently, he was supported by PRS Foundation and BBC Music Introducing to perform at the New York Winter Jazz Festival in January.
Ashley studied on our BA (Hons) Music (Jazz) programme and graduated in 2014. His music has since attracted widespread support from industry names such as Gilles Peterson and Jamie Cullum. He was previously nominated for the Jazz FM Awards for ‘Breakthrough Artist of the Year’ and ‘Live Experience of the Year’ in 2017.
Jazz FM launched the awards programme in 2013 in an effort to celebrate the work of jazz, blues and soul musicians. They promote excellence, recognise distinction and commend those that have made an exceptional contribution.
Public voting is open now via the event’s official website and will close on Wednesday 15 April at 23:59. The ceremony is currently scheduled for the 27 May 2020.
Photo Credit: Max Fairclough
On being nominated, Ashley outlined:
It really means a lot to be recognised for my work. The support I’ve been getting for the album has been way beyond my expectations. It’s definitely encouraging for me to keep making more music, especially at such uncertain times like this!
Jazz FM Content Director Nick Pitts commented on the 2020 Awards:
At 2018’s Jazz FM Awards, Ashley was a key member of the team leading our Awards House Band, so it’s great to see that his creativity and mastery of the music is being highlighted with a Jazz FM Award 2020 Nomination.
As with all nominated artists and venues, Jazz FM is pleased to be able to add positive narrative to these difficult times and it is why it is important for our music community and friends to do what we can to highlight moments of celebration and excellence while livelihoods are being threatened.
--
