(Gary Smulyan at Jazz Port Townsend – Photo by Jim Levitt)
Congratulations to Jazz Port Townsend faculty member Gary Smulyan, for being awarded Baritone Saxophonist of the Year in JazzTimes’ 2011 Readers’ Poll. JazzTimes Magazine asked their readers to consider artists who were notably active in the last year and to vote for their favorites in a number of categories.
Among the winners are many friends and faculty of Jazz Port Townsend, present and past. Some highlights include trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire as Best New Artist, Regina Carter as Best Violinist, and Kurt Elling as Best Male Vocalist.
Also placing in the poll were Centrum friends Sachal Vasandani (new artist and male vocalist), Wycliffe Gordon (trombone), Jaleel Shaw (alto saxophone), Gary Versace (organ), Stefon Harris (vibraphone), Matt Wilson (drums), Gretchen Parlato (female vocalist), Gerald Wilson (arranger) and Jazz Port Townsend Artistic Director, John Clayton (arranger).