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Contemporary Jazz Album of the Year

Pianist and composer Francois Bourassa has released six acclaimed albums and toured internationally to great response over a distinguished career. He won a JUNO Award in this category in 2002 for his Live record. The Toronto Star has described his quartet's work as "music of undeniable originality performed with skill and expressive fervour." His performances were a highlight of 2003's Festival International de Jazz de Montreal.

Vancouver roots music heroes Jesse Zubot and Steve Dawson hooked up with Torontonians Andrew Downing and Kevin Turcotte in 2001 as The Great Uncles Of The Revolution. Their fresh new sound netted them the Grand Prix de Jazz at the 2002 Montreal Jazz Festival plus a West Coast Music Award. Their debut album, Stand Up, earned great press, and now Blow The House Down further proves their prowess. They've opened for Dave Brubeck and played with Jane Bunnett.

Prolific pianist/composer D.D. Jackson has released 11 highly-praised albums. He has recorded a classical album, written a jazz opera, Quebecite, and been nominated for five earlier JUNO Awards, taking one home in 2000 for ...so far. Suite For New York incorporates both jazz and classical elements, and features James Spaulding and Metalwood’s Brad Turner.

Brilliant young B.C. pianist Michael Kaeshammer continues to expand his range. The New Orleans stylings of his previous disc, No Strings Attached, are explored in a deeper and funkier fashion on Strut. Influences here include Professor Longhair, Joe Zawinul and Jellyroll Morton. Michael’s soulful vocals and fluent playing are nicely complemented by his fiery rhythm section and Kevin Breit’s guitar lines.

Metalwood won JUNOs for their first two albums (1998-99), and they prove their mastery of groove-oriented jazz on Chronic, their most musically mature and sonically rich recording to date. They integrate fusion and funk elements with stylish ease. Individually, the group’s four members have worked with such legendary jazz figures as Kenny Wheeler, Gary Burton, Rob McConnell and Oliver Jones.