BBC Jazz Awards 2003

LONDON, UK (BBC Press Release) - The third annual BBC Jazz Awards are nearly upon us. Hosts for the night are legendary bandleader and radio presenter Humphrey Lyttelton and Britain's best known jazz musician Courtney Pine.

A galaxy of jazz loving stars have been confirmed to present awards, including Ulrika Jonsson, Paul Weller, Michael Parkinson, Warren Mitchell and Georgie Fame.

Performances on the night will come from among the nominees who include Mercury nominated Guy Barker, Jamie Cullum and last year's Best CD winner Brian Kellock.

The International Artist of the Year for 2003 has been announced as Esbjorn Svensson.

The Swedish born pianist and leader brings his acclaimed trio E.S.T to the Award stage.

The Award for Jazz Heritage has been given to one of the longest surviving bands in the country, The Merseysippi Jazz Band, who will open proceedings on the night.

Voting for the Best Album award has now closed but thousands have done so by phone, post and e-mail. The winner to be announced on the night.

This BBC Jazz Awards staged by BBC Radios 2 and 3 take place on Tuesday 29 July at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, London and will be broadcast on Radio 2 on Monday 4 August at 7.00pm and on BBC Radio 3's Jazz Line-Up on Saturday 2 August at 4.00pm.