The 7 Virtual Jazz Club is proud to announce the winners of the 2017 edition of the contest. The international jury, made of jazz experts, composed their ranks. The jury prize (€ 2,000 plus artistic advertising) has been assigned to the American guitarist Gilad Hekselman with his GHex trio (Rick Rosato on double bass and Jonathan Pinson on drums), which presented the song Ghex Clap Clap."
A brilliant guitarist accompanied by great musicians swaying with him between jazz and Latin rhythms in an excellent original composition." —Dubi Lenz, Israeli journalist, broadcaster, art director of The Red Sea Jazz Festival
Wonderful guitar playing with a unique compositional voice and a great sense of ensemble connectedness and purpose. Both fire and control." —Greg Stott, Australian musician, teacher at the Australian National University
The 7 Virtual Jazz Club’s Team wants to thank all the contestants and the International jury that collaborated to this edition.
7 Virtual Jazz Judges Comment on Gilad Hekselman's Ghex Clap Clap"
This musically tight trio is fiery yet subtle, bold yet understated, modern yet traditional. Hekselman’s tone is clear and warm and the accuracy of his playing is remarkable. Rhythmically synched, the trio’s playing is mature and controlled yet spontaneous and improvised. The communication between the musicians is significant." —Debbie Mari, South African musician, teacher at the UKZN School of Music Jazz StudiesA brilliant guitarist accompanied by great musicians swaying with him between jazz and Latin rhythms in an excellent original composition." —Dubi Lenz, Israeli journalist, broadcaster, art director of The Red Sea Jazz Festival
Wonderful guitar playing with a unique compositional voice and a great sense of ensemble connectedness and purpose. Both fire and control." —Greg Stott, Australian musician, teacher at the Australian National University
Second Prize
Austrian group David Helbock's Random Control for Para Hermeto."Third Prize
American saxophonist Alex Hahn who is currently enrolled at the Theloniouos Monk Institute for Rebirth."Fourth Prize
American big band leader and trumpeter John Daversa for Wobbly Dance Flower" with Bob Mintzer.Community prize
€ 1,000 plus artistic advertising was awarded to the Italian group Reveries for“Wake, Rush, Live, Look Back."The 7 Virtual Jazz Club’s Team wants to thank all the contestants and the International jury that collaborated to this edition.