Soweto Kinch launched his solo career in April 2003

The generations were spanned with 78-year-old lifetime achiever George Melly's joining 26-year-old Kinch as one of the night's winners.

And rising star winner Seb Rochford will hope to emulate the success of last year's recipient Jamie Cullum.

Co-presenter of the awards Ian Shaw won the best vocalist prize.

MOBO award-winner Kinch received critical acclaim with his self-composed 2003 debut album Conversations With the Unseen, combining straight-ahead jazz with funky hip-hop and rap.

Best album winner: Colin Steele See a full list of winners

Singer and broadcaster Melly, by contrast, learned his trade in the UK traditional scene of the late 40s and 50s.

Rising star Seb Rochford, beaten to the award by Jamie Cullum in last year's award, is one of the most sought-after drummers on the UK jazz scene.

His band Polar Bear, comprising two saxes, bass and drum, just missed out on the best band award to Soweto Kinch.

Ian Shaw, who has recorded three albums for US-based jazz labels, emulated the success of his co-host Claire Martin in winning best vocalist.

She was awarded the same honour at last year's awards.

Scottish jazz

Among other winners at the BBC's fourth jazz awards was trumpeter Colin Steele with The Journey Home in the prestigious best album category, the only one voted for by the public.

Described as "the sound of authentic Scottish jazz", the amalgam of bop and folk aims to "ease a troubled soul".

Trumpet legend Wynton Marsalis was named best international artist of the year.

The heritage award went to pianist and band leader Keith Nichols who worked with Bing Crosby and co-founded the Midnite Follies Orchestra.

Fellowship for Integrated Rhythmic Expression, or F-IRE - a community of "rhythmic artists" and organisations - won the innovation award.

And the late Jed Williams was honoured for his services to the scene.

Entrepreneur Williams was founding editor of the magazine JazzUK but was best known as the driving force behind the Brecon Jazz Festival before his death last year at the age of 51.

Richard Fairhurst, one of the highlights of last year's Cheltenham Jazz Festival, won best new work with the Cheltenham "Jerwood Rising Stars" Commission.

BBC Jazz Awards winners