Great news from fellow baritone saxophonist, Shirantha Beddage!
“I’m excited to report that on Friday, July 5, 2013 I won the Galaxie Rising Star Award at the Montreal Jazz Festival! This prize was based on a performance at the Festival by my quartet, which included Dave Restivo, Mark Kelso and Mike Downes. The award is given for the most outstanding Canadian composition amongst the groups performing in the outdoor concerts, and it is a cash bursary accompanied by airplay on Galaxie Satellite Radio in Canada. The jury selected two of my tunes, “Baker’s Dozen” and “Winds of Change”, both from my Juno-nominated new album, “Identity”. As a result, I was interviewed by Mark Ruffin (Sirius / XM Satellite Radio – USA) and Michael Bourne (WBGO – New York City) during the festival.”
Congratulations to him! Be sure to check out his latest album.
I’m thrilled to hear about this. I caught Shirantha at the Toronto Jazz Festival and his playing was nothing short of brilliant. The new CD is also terrific. It’s so nice to see recognition such as this go to a baritone saxophonist and, in particular, one so deserving.