Joe Locke is honoured to have received the 2018 ‘Mallets Instrumentalist of the Year’ award by the Jazz Journalists Association (JJA). It’s his 5th nod after previously winning his category in 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2016. Professional Journalist members of the JJA made open nominations in a first selection round. Those who received the most nominations advanced to the final ballot. The winners of the 22nd annual Jazz Journalists Association Jazz Awards were announced on 7th May 2018 and will be honoured at an awards party on 12th June 2018.