TOM Seals, new resident jazz singer and pianist at a Skipton restaurant, just missed out on winning for Best Male Singer at the Boisdale Music Awards in London last week.

The event, hosted by Jools Holland at the Canary Wharf venue Boisdale, saw the 24-year-old northern jazz performer rubbing shoulders with the likes of Melanie C, Joe Jackson and Lulu, at the evening which aims to celebrate some of the greatest entertainers in the world of jazz, blues and soul.

There were ten awards up for grabs, and Tom was one of three to be shortlisted as Best Male Singer.

He lost out to well-known singer Bryan McFadden, formerly of Westlife, but was grateful to be nominated.

Tom said: “It was a tremendous night and an absolute honour to the nominated for such a prestigious music award. Jools and Ferne McCann were fantastic hosts and the entertainment was first class!”

“It’s amazing to be shortlisted for an award at the Boisdale. I played there earlier this year alongside Jools as part of his Boogie Woogie Spectacular which was a wonderful experience, so it was great to be invited back, especially for the awards.”

Tom, who is signed to Peel Talent, part of the Skipton-based Peel Entertainment Group, performs for Gin and Jazz evenings on the first Tuesday of every month at Alexander’s Bar and Kitchen in Skipton.