Three MAXJAZZ releases nominated for 2008 International Jazz Awards

Three CDs released over the past year by the St. Louis-based label MAXJAZZ have been nominated for 2008 International Jazz Awards.

* Trio Da Paz and Joe Locke's Live at Jazz Baltica is nominated for Outstanding Brazilian Jazz Performance in a Duo or Group/Instrumental.

* Trumpeter Jeremy Pelt and his band WiRED's release Shock Value: Live at Smoke is up for an award in the category of Outstanding Performance of a New Artist – Vocal/Duo or Group/Instrumental.

* Trumpeter Terell Stafford's Taking Chances: Live at the Dakota is nominated for Outstanding Performance in a Live Album.

Intended as an annual event, the IJA makes its debut this year with a gala ceremony to be held Sunday, June 29 at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles. The show will be hosted by actor/comedian D.L. Hughley, and recorded for future broadcast. Nominees were based on Soundscan’s top jazz sellers, and will honor jazz in categories including Contemporary/Smooth, Traditional, Swing, Latin, Brazilian, Afro-Cuban, Fusion and Dixieland.