A couple of people will be getting their dues at 2006 National Jazz Awards Gala on April 10th

First up Phil Nimmons will be named as the “JAZZ.FM.91 Artist of Distinction”, recognizing the legendary clarinetist’s consummate excellence as a performer, educator, and multimedia composer at the forefront of the Canadian jazz scene for more than five decades. Last year’s honors went to vibraphone master Peter Appleyard.

Next will be legendary Cuban-American percussionist Candido Camero (Candido).

Candido will be present with the first annual Pioneer Award for his historic contributions to music on an international level. Candido will also be the presenter for a new category this year, the Latin Jazz Artist of the Year, representing the recent emergence of a powerful generation of Latin musicians in Canada at a time some have been calling a ‘golden era’ for Latin music in this country. Candido will be in attendance and performing live.

nationaljazzawards.com