BEST JAZZ GROUP / ARTIST

Debbie Ross Band

With strong, soaring vocals and a powerful stage presence, Debbie Ross rules the roost for soulful singing around town. Not known as a jazz group particularly, the band certainly has the chops to play jazz all night long, but generally they hang around in the pop and rhythm and blues arena, playing tunes and taking turns at vocals until Debbie commands the stage. DRB plays the state fair every year and pops up in various venues when the mood strikes and the gig is right. Local jazz standard-bearers Jane Hartman, Frank Trompeter and Frank Parker all received votes in this category, but fewer than the nearly 500 garnered by Debbie Ross. The people have spoken. Runner-up: Dave Littrell