The POLAR MUSIC PRIZE was presented on Monday 12th May 2003 for the twelfth consecutive year. The prizewinner was Keith Jarrett. Keith Jarrett's first manager, 84 year-old George Avakian, read the prizewinner citation. Jarrett received prize money in the amount of one million Swedish Crowns. The prize was given to the Laureate by His Majesty The King of Sweden during a nationally-televised ceremony at Berwaldhallen, Stockholm. Her Majesty The Queen, HRH Crown Princess Victoria, and HRH Princ …

"First Lady of Jazz," DIANE SCHUUR, TO RELEASE MUCH-ANTICIPATED MIDNIGHT Co-Written and Produced by Barry Manilow & Eddie Arkin, CD Features Duets with R&B Sensation Brian McKnight and Jazz Favorite Karrin Allyson. On August 12, Concord Records and "First Lady of Jazz" Diane Schuur release Midnight, a CD co-written and produced by the legendary Barry Manilow and his long-time collaborator Eddie Arkin. A year in the making, Midnight is a beautifully crafted and lush recording of 13 original t …

Following the critical acclaim of Revolver: A New Spin -- one of the Village Voice's "Top Ten Recordings of 2000" -- the ever-eclectic singer Ann Dyer presents her debut release on Sunnyside Records, When I Close My Eyes (Sunnyside 1113, June 3 release). As the title suggests, the new disc finds Dyer turning inward into a darker, more enigmatic space in her most intimate and subtle work to date. "I was looking at vulnerability," Ann says of the new project's inspiration. "Of the heart, that …

Popular annual tour features Richard Elliot, Jeff Golub, Peter White, and Steve Cole in 2003 lineup GRP Recording artists Richard Elliot and Jeff Golub are starring in this year's An Evening With Guitars & Saxes tour, which will be crossing the country this summer. Also joining the group for the 2003 lineup of this annual contemporary jazz all-star tour are guitarist Peter White and saxophonist Steve Cole. Saxophonist Richard Elliot began his career touring and recording with Smokey Robi …

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE GIBSON GUITAR ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF ROB SENN AS CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE, June 2, 2003-Veteran Entertainment Executive Rob Senn has joined Gibson Guitar as Chief Operating Officer effective immediately, it was announced today by Henry Juszkiewicz, Chairman/CEO. The Gibson name is one of the world's best known and most respected brands. Gibson is committed to continuing its tradition of quality and expanding its strong brand recognition into br …