Cuban-born Canadian composer, band leader and pianist Hilario Duran and bassist Jodi Proznick each captured three wins at the 2008 National Jazz Awards, held April 8 at the Palais Royale in Toronto.

Duran was honoured with the SOCAN Composer of the Year Award (sponsored by SOCAN) and as Latin Jazz Artist of the Year, while his Latin Jazz Big Band was voted Big Band of the Year. Vancouver native Proznick took home Album of the Year for Foundations and was named Bassist of the Year. Her quartet, featured on the album, was recognized as Acoustic Band of the Year.

Three irreplaceable members of Canada’s jazz community who passed away recently – Oscar Peterson, Jeff Healey and Doug Riley – were feted posthumously in a trio of moving presentations to family members and colleagues. Peterson was named Musician of the Year, guitarist/trumpeter Healey was named Artist of Distinction and keyboardist/arranger Riley was remembered with the Jazz Pioneer Award.

The evening, hosted jointly by singer Kellylee Evans and pianist/composer Michael Kaeshammer, featured performances by the hosts and by the Brandi Disterheft Trio, 14-year-old singing sensation Nikki Yanofsky, saxophonist Mike Ruby and his band, Jodi Proznick, pianist Elizabeth Shepherd, The October Trio and others. Saxophonist Richard Underhill led the impressive house band. The event was funded in part by the SOCAN Foundation.

For a complete list of winners, visit the National Jazz Awards website.