BBC Young Jazz Musician 2020 - winner announced
BBC Young Jazz Musician 2020 has reached its conclusion with a socially-distanced final at Cadogan Hall
Last updated 24th Nov 2020
BBC Young Jazz Musician 2020 has reached its conclusion with a socially-distanced final at Cadogan Hall when the five shortlisted finalists – aged 18 to 22 - showcased their talents accompanied by the acclaimed Nikki Yeoh’s Infinitum, led by British jazz composer and pianist Nikki Yeoh.
Who was the winner of BBC Young Jazz Musician 2020?
Young pianist Deschanel Gordon was awarded BBC Young Jazz Musician 2020.
The 22-year-old Hackney-born pianist follows in the footsteps of saxophonist Xhosa Cole, who won the Competition in 2018 and went on to win Breakthrough Act of the Year at the 2020 Jazz FM Awards. You can watch Xhosa Cole's performance at the Jazz FM Awards 2020 with OANDA below.
Deschanel Gordon says: “I had an amazing time playing and hearing the other musicians in the finals. Especially in a year where live music has been stifled, any opportunity to play is very special to me. Being able to share the stage with Nikki Yeoh’s band Infinitum was definitely a highlight.”
When was the final for BBC Young Jazz Musician 2020?
In collaboration with the EFG London Jazz Festival and supported by the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, the BBC Young Jazz Musician Final – part of the 2020 Festival - was broadcast to music lovers all over the country on BBC Four on Sunday 22 November, presented by our very own YolanDa Brown.
BBC Young Jazz Musician 2020 - finalists:
The five finalists were 21-year-old saxophonist Matt Carmichael, from Glasgow and currently a student at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland; 20-year-old saxophonist Alex Clarke, born in South Cheshire and already taking her first steps in the world of professional music; pianist Deschanel Gordon, from Hackney, London and a recent graduate at Trinity Laban; 21-year-old guitarist Ralph Porrett, from Telford, Shropshire and currently a student at Guildhall School of Music and Drama; and 18-year-old double bassist Kielan Sheard, originally from Hertfordshire, who has just joined Trinity Laban.
BBC Young Jazz Musician 2020 - judges:
These outstanding young musicians each performed a 15-minute set in front of a panel including some of the most celebrated British instrumentalists on the current international jazz scene: trailblazing saxophonist Nubya Garcia; vibraphonist, multi-instrumentalist and Gold Award-winner at the Jazz FM Awards Orphy Robinson; and trumpeter and composer Guy Barker.
Reflecting on Deschanel's performance at the final, judge Orphy Robinson says: “Deschanel displayed a wonderful mature sound and approach. He possesses an assured command of different styles, while at the same time adding his own individual touch, flair, and technical competence. He conveyed a quiet confidence with some beautiful and fluent dialogue brought to the musical rapport between himself and the first class rhythm section of Mark and Michael Mondesir. It will be interesting to watch Deschanel’s progress as he builds what looks like a very promising future.”
On stage with the competitors, providing world-class accompaniment was Nikki Yeoh’s Infinitum with Yeoh leading her rhythm section of siblings Michael Mondesir (bass) and Mark Mondesir (drums).