2012
Christina Jaccard e Dave Ruosch Trio
After an exciting head-to-head contest, Zurich-based blues singer Christina Jaccard and pianist Dave Ruosch win the sixth edition of the Swiss Jazz Award. For the first time, the final evening is broadcasted live on RSI Rete Due.
2011
Alexia Gardner & Offbeat Trio
Pepe Lienhard presents the Swiss Jazz Award 2011 to Alexia Gardner & Offbeat Trio. The charismatic English singer surpassed all other bands and won the prize, voted by the JazzAscona audience. Last year, for the first time, the prize was also awarded through sms voting (together with the more traditional online vote). The entertaining Sinatra Tribute Band and singer Max Neissendorfer came in second.
2010
Dani Felber Big Band
Fascinated by the life of Glenn Miller, 38-year-old trumpeter and orchestra director Dani Felber founded his big band in 2001, achieving his childhood dream. Formed by 18 international musicians (coming from 10 different countries) the big band released "More Than Just Friends" in 2009, a CD produced in collaboration with Frank Foster, ex-band leader of the Count Basie Orchestra and winner of two Grammy Awards.
2009
Robi Weber Quartet
The 2009 Swiss Jazz Award goes to the Robi Weber Quartet, one of the best soul jazz formations in Switzerland, renowned both nationally and internationally. Its repertoire includes great jazz classics as well as original compositions.
2009
Lifetime Achievement Award Hazy Osterwald
The 2009 Ascona Jazz Lifetime Achievement Award winner is Hazy Osterwald, trumpeter, vibraphonist, and musical director who in his 60-year career supported and popularized jazz in Switzerland. His greatest success came in 1959, when he achieved international popularity with “Crimaltango”.
2008
Swing Kids dir. by Dai Kimoto
The 2008 Swiss Jazz Award goes to the Swing Kids directed by Dai Kimoto. This recognition awards the originality and high quality of this big band - whose members are children and teenagers and the great dedication of its director Dai Kimoto towards these young Swiss jazz-passionate souls.
2007
Loverfield Jazzband
In 21 years of activity, the Loverfield Jazzband has acquired a rich body of fans. Its Dixieland repertoire includes forays into swing, blues, and gospel. Led by the engaging voice of banjoist Rita Trachsel, the band performs with great success throughout Europe. Its rendition of "Amazing Grace" made Loverfield the most appreciated by Swiss Jazz Radio listeners in 2006.
