The winner of the 10th annual competition was also announced in 2021). Her performance — judged by a panel that included singers Carmen Lundy and Vanessa Rubin and bassist Christian McBride — was all the more impressive given that Tawanda had performed her first full show just a year before.

Smile was produced by Resonance Records founder and president George Klabin. Resonance is renowned both for its deluxe reissues of previously unreleased gems by Bill Evans, Wes Montgomery, John Coltrane, Stan Getz, and other greats; and for its new recordings by an impeccably chosen array of veterans and newcomers.

On Smile, Tawanda gives even the most time-honored standards a freshness that makes them sound new. She also finds the jazz in tunes recorded by Sting (“Sister Moon”), Donny Hathaway (“Sack Full of Dreams”), and Maureen McGovern (“Bring Back My Dreamer”).

Lifting her even higher are the elegant piano-playing and arrangements of two members of the Resonance family, Tamir Hendelman and Josh Nelson, both of whom have brought out the best in many a singer. Along with famed Jazz Guitarist Anthony Wilson, known for his work on albums by Diana Krall and albums at NativeDSD with Jacintha, Eden Atwood, Lauren White and his Jazz Ensemble – Our Gang, Savivity, Jack of Hearts and Power of Nine..

Tawanda, Vocals
Anthony Wilson, Guitar
Josh Nelson, Piano & Arrangements
Tamir Hendelman, Piano & Arrangements
Kevin Axt, Bass
Gary Meek, Saxophone
Gene Coy, Drums
Ray Brinker, Drums