BEST JAZZ GROUP/ARTIST

Debbie Ross Band

Don’t ask us why ’cause we don’t know either and even Debbie Ross herself wonders why it is she wins in the Best Jazz Group/Artist category again and again. Jane Hartman, perennial favorite from years past, came in second and definitely is jazzier than Debbie, but all we can say is, the people have spoken, and the people really like to see Debbie Ross get credit for her incredible stage presence and powerfully delightful singing. Her extremely capable band can play jazz if necessary, but really cover more of a pop and R & B mode, often with band members singing a song or two and making the group one of the most dynamic in the area. Other artists closely grouped for third place include Frank Parker, Frank Trompeter and Dreaming in Colours with other considerable votegetters including End Times Trio, Kapital Sound, Lowder & Manning, Black Magic Johnson, Becca Young, A.J. Good, Sam Crain and Lady and a Sax. Runner-up: Jane Hartman Trio