Linn Artists at the 2008 BBC Jazz Awards

The 2008 BBC Jazz Awards were well-represented by Linn Records with two current artists and two from the recent past represented - Ian Shaw (Best Vocalist), Arnie Somogyi's Ambulance (Best Album), Tommy Smith and Ray Gelato (BBC Radio Two Heart of Jazz).

It was an emotional event in many ways with the sad recent passing of such luminaries as Sir Humphrey Lyttelton and Estbjorn Svensson. The former was presented a posthumous BBC Radio Two Artist of the Year award.  Linn Records' Ian Shaw, winner of last year's Best Vocalist award, gave the world premiere of Lyttelton's Sad, Sweet Song. Lyttelton had asked Shaw to record the song, to which he had written the words, at the BBC Jazz Awards in 2006 and it was eventually recorded within a few days of Lyttelton's death. Despite being nominated for a fifth time, Ian didn't win the Best Vocalist title this year - on this occasion, it was awarded to Christine Tobin.

Meanwhile, Arnie Somogyi's Ambulance and their acclaimed album "Accident and Insurgency" was pipped at the post by "All Is Yes" by The Blessing for the Best Album award.

However, Tommy Smith was presented with the BBC Radio Two Heart of Jazz award for his ongoing commitment and contribution to the music. He dedicated it to people who lived in countries where music-making is perceived as dangerous.

Awards throughout the event were presented by Nigel Kennedy, Jamie Cullum, Jeff Beck, Beatles guru Sir George Martin, Goldie, Soul II Soul's Jazzie B, Barry Cryer and Mica Paris.

Click here for a full round up of winners at this year's event.