The JazzBuffalo community has weighed in on their favorite Jazz acts for 2022. The 8th Annual JazzBuffalo poll saw nearly 1900 ballots submitted in 36 categories, including voters favorite jazz artists, groups, performances, and supporters.
Celebrating the Buffalo Jazz Community
“The JazzBuffalo Poll allows the community to be engaged with jazz in a unique way. Strengthening the bond between audiences and jazz performers,” said the founder of JazzBuffalo Tony Zambito. “The poll is reflective of how the jazz community continues to evolve as an integral part of the city’s growing arts and cultural scene.“
This years awards include the John Hunt Jazz Artist of the Year Award, which recognizes an individual that has made a substantial contribution to jazz in Greater Buffalo and contributions to the Greater Buffalo community. This years winner is George Caldwell. “Since moving to Buffalo more than a decade ago, George has made a measurable impact on the jazz community as a performer, bandleader, mentor, educator, community supporter, and advocate for jazz” says Zambito.
Other notable accolades include Jazz Crusader of the Year, won by Jack Zuff for his photography skills, which captured the most memorable performances in 2022. Dave Schiavone is the winner in both the tenor and alto saxophone categories for the first time since the poll began. Ed Croft returns as the winner not only in the bass categories but also as this year’s Rising Star of the Year. Alex McArthur repreats once again as a favorite and winner of Jazz Female Vocalist of the Year. As did Zach Carr for Jazz Male Vocalist of the Year. Donny Frauenhofer and his trio, DF3, made an impact in the genres of fusion and funk, winning in both categories. Dozo My Lady featuring Carolyn Lansom became a first-time winner in the Jazz-Pop category.
Donny is determined, so talented, and so inspiring. Every time I have seen Donny and any project he is in, it has been truly amazing. He is so so good, and strives to make the Buffalo music scene a better place!
JazzBuffalo Voter
Full List Of Winners and Runner Ups
Jazz Tenor Saxophone – Dave Schiavone
Runner-up: Nelson Rivera
Jazz Alto Saxophone – Dave Schiavone
Runner up: Bobby Militello
Jazz Baritone Saxophone – Laura Anderson
Runner-up: Ken Kuriscak
Jazz Trumpet – Tim Clarke
Runner up: Griffith “Kaz” Kazmierczak
Jazz Trombone – Brendan Lanighan
Runner up: John Hasselback, Jr.
Jazz Guitar – Jared Tinkham
Runner up: Rick Strauss
Jared Tinkham is an amazing educator and musician and has inspired multiple students like me, I got into my dream arts college and will be moving to New York City, If it weren’t for Jared Tinkham’s passion for music I would have never discovered the same emotion in my artistry, he is highly respected and definitely my favorite teacher through my years of middle and high school.
JazzBuffalo Voter
Jazz Piano – George Caldwell
Runner up: Jim Beishline
Jazz Organ – Doug “Trigger” Gaston
Runner up: Jim Beishline
Jazz Upright Bass – Ed Croft
Runner up: Stephen Parisi
Jazz Electric Bass – Ed Croft
Runner up: Jack Kulp
Jazz Vibes – Alec Dube
Runner up: Jamie Sunshine
Jazz Drums – John Bacon, Jr.
Runner up: John Anderson
Jazz Percussion – Wendell Rivera
Runner up: Joey Gonzalez
Jazz Female Vocalist – Alex McArthur
Runner up: Cheryl Ferris
Jazz Male Vocalist – Zach Carr
Runner up: Dalton Sharp
Zach is a quintessential artist who takes vocal performance, preparation, and health very seriously and treats every performance like the most important one, whether he’s addressing a few people or a packed audience. He is wildly talented and yet humble and kind, supporting other artists and performers.
JazzBuffalo Voter
Jazz Classic Group – Bobby Militello Quartet
Runner up: My Cousin Toné
Jazz World – Hot Club of Buffalo
Runner up: The Paper Rose Band
Jazz Trad/NOLA/Swing – Buffalo Dolls
Runner up: Back Room Jazz Band
Jazz Fusion – Donny Frauenhofer Trio (DF3)
Runner up: Damone Jackson Outcome
Latin Jazz – Wendell Rivera Latin Jazz Ensemble
Runner up: The Joey Gonzalez Collective
Jazz Big Band – Anderson Big Band
Runner up: East Street Big Band
Jazz Large Ensemble – Brendan Lanighan Octet
Runner up: My Cousin Toné
Jazz Soul/Funk – Donny Frauenhofer Trio (DF3)
Runner up: Universal Phunk
Jazz Pop – Dozo My Lady
Runner up: Miller and The Other Sinners
Jazz Venue – Pausa Art House
Runner up: Sportsmen Tavern
Jazz Major Performing Arts Center – Kleinhans Music Hall
Runner up: UB Center for the Performing Arts
Most Memorable Jazz Performance – A Charlie Brown Christmas: Ed Croft Trio – Seneca One Auditorium
Runner up: Summer Wind: Zach Carr Tribute To Frank Sinatra – Northwest Jazz Festival in Lewiston, NY
Most Memorable International Jazz Performance – Herbie Hancock at Kleinhans Music Hall
Runner up: Emmet Cohen, Mark Whitfield, Troy Roberts, Kyle Poole – Tribute to Joey DeFrancesco at the Northwest Jazz Festival in Lewiston, NY
Jazz CD/EP Release – The Mark Filsinger Chamber Big Band – “Groovin’ High”
Runner up: Jay/Sharp-tet – “For You My Love”
Middle School/High School Educator – Brendan Lanighan
Runner up: Jared Tinkham
College/University Educator – John Bacon, Jr.
Runner up: Bobby Militello
Jazz Rising Star – Ed Croft
Runner up: Brendan Lanighan
Jazz Ex-Pat – Chris Ziemba
Runner up: Don Menza
Jazz Crusader – Jack Zuff – Photographer / JazzBuffalo Contributor
Runner up: Linda Appleby – Historic Colored Musicians Club
John Hunt Jazz Artist of the Year – George Caldwell
Runner up: Elliot Scozzaro
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