Earshot Jazz initiated the Golden Ear Awards in 1990 to recognize the accomplishments of Seattle jazz artists over the previous year, and to induct significant members of the jazz community into the local Jazz Hall of Fame. Over the years, the award categories have shifted slightly, but the essence of the process has remained the same.

2023

NW Recording of the Year
Tom Baker Quartet, Begin Again

NW Acoustic Jazz Ensemble of the Year
Kareem Kandi World Orchestra

Alternative Jazz Group of the Year
Jazz Overhaul

NW Concert of the Year
Benefit for Julian Priester w/ guest emcee Christian McBride

NW Jazz Instrumentalist of the Year
D’Vonne Lewis

Emerging Artist of the Year
Jahnvi Madan

NW Vocalist of the Year
Eugenie Jones

Community in Action Awards
In recognition of their dedication to the enrichment of the Seattle jazz community
Laurie de Koch – Executive Director, Seattle JazzED
Rayna Mathis – Editor, Earshot Jazz Magazine

Inducted into the Seattle Jazz Hall of Fame
Thomas Marriott
Eugenie Jones

2020

NW Recording of the Year
Duende Libre, The Dance She Spoke

NW Acoustic Jazz Ensemble of the Year
Sundae + Mr. Goessl

Alternative Jazz Group of the Year
Ryan Burns

NW Concert of the Year
Ahamefule J. Oluo: Music from Susan, streamed at the Earshot Jazz Festival (10/18/2020)

NW Jazz Instrumentalist of the Year
Alex Dugdale

Emerging Artist of the Year
Abbey Blackwell

NW Vocalist of the Year
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Community in Action Awards
In recognition of their dedication to the enrichment of the Seattle jazz community
Josh Hou and Max Holmberg for Jazztalk Seattle
Gordon Brown for LoudSwell.com (formerly LiveConcertsStream.com)
Marina Albero for the Quarantine Sessions

Inducted into the Seattle Jazz Hall of Fame
Robin Holcomb
Moc Escobedo
Hans Teuber

2018

NW Recording of the Year
Duende Libre, Drift

NW Acoustic Jazz Ensemble of the Year
Jovino Santos Neto Quinteto

Alternative Jazz Group of the Year
High Pulp

NW Concert of the Year
Maria Schneider w/ the Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra, November 3, Benaroya Hall

NW Jazz Instrumentalist of the Year
D’Vonne Lewis, drummer

Emerging Artist of the Year
Marina Albero

NW Vocalist of the Year
Jacqueline Tabor

Special Awards
In recognition of their dedication to the enrichment of the Seattle jazz community
Randy Halberstadt
Reed Ruddy

Hall of Fame
Bob Hammer
Wally Shoup
Helen and David Marriott Sr.

2016

NW Recording of the Year
Birch Pereira & the Gin Joints, Dream Man

NW Acoustic Jazz Ensemble of the Year
Anton Schwartz Quintet

Alternative Jazz Group of the Year
Happy Orchestra

NW Concert of the Year
Dawn Clement & Mark Taylor’s LineUp! featuring Julian Priester, Ballard Jazz Festival, May 13

NW Jazz Instrumentalist of the Year
Dmitri Matheny

Emerging Artist of the Year
Alex Dugdale

NW Vocalist of the Year
Kate Voss

Special Awards
Jim Knapp – In recognition that his forward-thinking work in jazz education has helped to shape Seattle’s jazz legacy
Julian Priester – In recognition that Seattle’s jazz history is embellished by his distinguished legacy

Hall of Fame
Bill Anschell
Jay Clayton

2014

NW Recording of the Year
Chemical Clock, Bad Habitat

NW Acoustic Jazz Ensemble of the Year
Sequoia Ensemble

Alternative Jazz Group of the Year
Industrial Revelation

NW Concert of the Year
Table & Chairs Showcase, Ballard Jazz Walk, April 18

NW Jazz Instrumentalist of the Year
Evan Flory-Barnes, bassist

Emerging Artist of the Year
Carmen Rothwell

NW Vocalist of the Year
Greta Matassa

Special Award
Seattle JazzED – In recognition of their significant contributions to jazz education in Seattle

Hall of Fame
Amy Denio
Greta Matassa

2012

We are working on populating the archives… check back later for more years.