The 2022 KC Jazz Ambassadors JAM Musician Awards were announced on Tuesday,
December 13 at the Ambassadors’ annual meeting at Johnnie’s Jazz Club. While
UMKC Conservatory’s Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Carl Allen serenaded the
guests, newly elected Jazz Ambassadors president David Basse handed
out the awards to the fourteen 2022 honorees.
“We received nearly six hundred ballots this year,” explained KCJA board
member Mark Edelman. “It was a great turnout for our town’s favorite
jazz musicians, club, concert venue and more.”
Winners in each category received a framed citation honoring each
as one of KC’s favorites. For 2022, JAM awards were picked up by the following:
Vocalist: Eboni Fondren
Piano: Joe Cartwright
Saxophone: Jim Mair
Trumpet: Stan Kessler
Trombone: Brian Scarborough
Drums: Danny Rojas
Guitar: Rod Fleeman
Bass: James Albright
Keyboards/Organ: Angela Ward
In addition, the Green Lady Lounge/Black Dolphin won favorite jazz club honors and the
Folly Theatre took home the concert venue award. The KC Jazz Orchestra was
once again KC’s favorite big band and Lonnie McFadden repeated as favorite jazz
entertainer. KCJA president David Basse was voted favorite radio host for his nationally-
syndicated Jazz with David Basse.
“These awards recognize jazz lovers’ favorite musicians,” added
Edelman. “It’s a chance for everyone to recognize the dedication these performing artists
put into their profession, day in and day out.”
Nominations for the 2023 JAMs will begin May 1.