Jonathan Coleman named Best Jazz Guitarist at 
Los Angeles Music Awards

Los Angeles, CA, November 21, 2000 - Jonathan Coleman received the Best Jazz Guitarist at the 10th annual Los Angeles Music Awards (LAMA) held at the Beverly Hilton International Ballroom here. Submissions exceeded 2000 entries overall this year, compared to 35 when the Awards were first conceived.

"While all other music awards are sales-based, we select our nominees based solely on the music's artistic merit," said Alfred C. Bowman, LAMA founder and executive producer. "A board of industry professionals evaluate submissions on lyrics, composition, arrangements, melody and live performance skills, depending on the category of the competition."

Coleman began studying guitar 35 years ago as a sixth grader. While he developed a successful real estate career in Manhattan Beach, he's never lost his love of performing and creating new sounds. Coleman's award was based on a CD demo he co-produced with fellow musician and composer, John Ugarte, under their group name, "Gold Coast". Latin, Caribbean and North African influences can be heard on "Latitudes", an instrumental CD featuring an all star line-up of guest jazz artists, which will be available for sale in April, 2001.