Silver triangles flashed beneath pastel-toned stage lights at the German Jazz Awards in north-west Germany on June 13. The three-sided trophies got pressed into the clammy hands of winning artists and projects in 22 categories. It was a snappy-paced evening, where a heap of equilateral gongs got handed out within just three hours—alongside three live performances and a meandering speech from the Mayor of Cologne. Now that is German efficiency.

This year's event marked the fifth edition of the awards, which aim to promote the impact of jazz in Germany and worldwide. Cash helps that happen: The total budget of €500,000 arrived via the national government's central funding institute for the music industry, Initiative Musik. All 76 nominees received €4,000, while winners padded their purses with €12,000.

The 22 award categories are organized into five groupings. One winner per grouping is described below and a full list of all winners appears at the bottom of the page.

Artists

Philo Tsoungui earned the judges' pick in the Drums / Percussion category. The German artist has a background in classical percussion but started exploring popular music and jazz in 2017. She put her triangular trophy straight to work, striking it with a drumstick during a live performance where electronics, effects and abstractions created a disconcerting soundscape.

Recording / Production

Sonic Interventions won the Newcomer of the Year award. The group formed in Berlin five years ago and its diaspora-futuristic output combines ideas from free jazz, Latin and hip-hop traditions. They delivered a vigorous and politically charged performance that began with twelve members wearing white blindfolds and one bound in wrist-to-ankle shackles.

Live

The team behind PENG Festival picked up the triangle for Festival of the Year. This jazz event in nearby Essen places a sharp focus on supporting female artists and promoting freedom from oppression, dominance and power structures. Its young organizers used their acceptance speech to emphasize the need for safe spaces in today's chaotic and hostile environment.

Composition / Arrangement