Drummers beat path as finalists of 29th National Jazz Awards

The 29th National Jazz Awards focus on a different instrument each year – and this year it’s drummers.

This year’s finalists are:

Alex Hirlian, 24 (Sydney)

Alex Reid, 29 (Perth)

Alexander Inman-Hislop, 25 (Petersham, NSW)

Alf Jackson, 27 (Hobart)

Angus Mason, 25 (Glengowie, SA)

Damien Ellis, 32 (Thornbury, Vic)

James McLean, 28 (Preston, Vic)

Joshua Baldwin, 33 (Adelaide)

Lewis Pierre-Humbert, 27 (Tecoma, Vic)

Oli Nelson, 25 (Redfern, NSW)

The awards have been part of the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz & Blues since they began in 1990.

The finalists will perform at the festival over two days of heats on November 2—4, with the winner announced after the final performance (Sunday, 4 November 4, between 5-6pm, WPAC Theatre).

The finalists will compete for their share of $21,000 in prize money ($12K winner, $6K second place, $3K third), as well as performance and recording opportunities, with the winner having the opportunity to perform at the Rabobank Amersfoort Jazz Festival in May 2019.

Zoe Hauptmann, co-artistic director for the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz & Blues, said the benefits of succeeding in the National Jazz Awards are far-reaching.

“The awards provide a substantial boost to the careers and profile of young musicians.

“Alumni include the likes of Barney McAll, James Muller, Phil Slater, Elana Stone, Scott Tinkler, Michelle Nicolle and Stephen Magnusson.”