NEW YORK, June 27 (UPI) -- Saxophonist and composer Wayne Shorter walked off with a slew of awards this week at the Jazz Journalist Association's seventh annual awards ceremonies.
Shorter captured musician of the year, tenor saxophonist and album of the year honors and his quartet was named best combo of the year at the Wednesday evening event at B.B. King's Grill and Blues Club in Times Square.
The event honored pianist Cecil Taylor with the JJA's annual Lifetime Achievement award. The JJA event is tantamount to a jazz industry version of the Grammy awards.
Shorter's "Footprints Live!" on the Verve label was named album of the year.
Gary Giddins of the Village Voice received both Lifetime Achievement in Jazz Journalism and Jazz Writer of the Year honors.
The organization represents more than 400 writers, broadcasters, photographers and new media professionals worldwide. Forty category awards were given, based on votes cast by members. The event was a benefit for the Jazz Foundation of America's Jazz Musicians Emergency Fund.
