Berklee Alumni and Faculty Honored by the Jazz Journalists Association

The Jazz Journalists Association (JJA) recognized 11 Berklee alumni and faculty members with JJA Jazz Awards in a number of categories this year. 

Berklee’s Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice was well represented, as Terri Lyne Carrington, the institute’s artistic director, and Kris Davis, associate program director of creative development, each won two awards. Carrington was honored with Musician of the Year and Drummer of the Year, while Davis took home Composer of the Year and Pianist of the Year.

Alumnus Miguel Zenón ’98 also won two awards: Arranger of the Year and Alto Saxophonist of the Year.  

This year’s diverse group of winners includes four women, along with musicians from Australia, Canada, Israel, Puerto Rico, and the U.S.

Below is the full list of Berklee alumni and faculty 2020 JJA Jazz Award winners:

Musician of the Year and Drummer of the Year
Terri Lyne Carrington, artistic director, Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice 

Composer of the Year and Pianist of the Year
Kris Davis, associate program director of creative development, Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice

Arranger of the Year and Alto Saxophonist of the Year
Miguel Zenón ’98

Record of the Year
Branford Marsalis Quartet (Branford Marsalis ’80, Justin Faulkner ’10) 

Trumpeter of the Year
Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah ’04

Multiple Reeds Player of the Year
Joe Lovano, Gary Burton Chair in Jazz Performance

Clarinetist of the Year
Anat Cohen ’98

Guitarist of the Year
Bill Frisell ’77

Bassist of the Year
Linda May Han Oh, associate professor, Bass Department

Album Artwork of the Year
Kendrick Scott Oracle (Kendrick Scott ’03, artwork by Yashua Klos)