2020’s Young Talent Award winner is Curtis Volp, a multi-instrumentalist from London. On learning he was this year’s winner, he said: “It’s made my day/month/year!”
Curtis is the guitarist and banjo player in the renowned Alex Mendham Orchestra, with whom he has performed across Europe, and recently recorded the new album ‘Puttin’ On the Ritz’.
Whilst still completing his studies at Guildhall School of Music, he appeared at Breda and Sancy Jazz Festivals with the Vitality 5 (deputising for Martin Wheatley, his teacher) and has performed all over the UK, as well as being broadcast on both BBC Radio 3 and 4, and BBC 2.
He has just released an album with the brilliant Michael McQuaid – ‘Duets For No Reason At All‘, drawing inspiration from his personal favourites Teddy Bunn, Eddie Lang, and Lonnie Johnson.
Curtis will receive his award on stage in 2021. The Young Talent Award for 2021 is still open, more details can be found on the award page.