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WELCOME TO JAZZ IN WALES
Welsh Jazz Society complaint upheld
Arts Council of Wales issues an apology
As a result of the decision by the Arts Council of Wales to cease funding the Welsh Jazz Society from July 2008, the Society submitted a formal complaint to the Public Services Ombudsman (under Section 21 of the Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005) alleging maladministrations by the Arts Council of Wales.
The Ombudsman’s Report was issued on 1st December 2009 and contained the following summary:“My investigation led me to conclude that the ACW were not justified in including in its letter notifying the WJS of its decision to cease funding the WJS, a statement commenting adversely on the performance of the WJS as a promoter of jazz events. I have upheld that part of the complaint. To remedy the consequent injustice of reputational damage to the WJS I have recommended that the ACW withdraw the statement and apologise for including it in the letter. The ACW have agreed to do this.”
“My investigation has not led me to identify any other shortcomings in the way the ACW arrived at its decision to withdraw funding from the WJS or handle its appeal process, including its then commitment to consult about reviews that could lead to the cessation of funding. I have not therefore upheld any other part of the complaint.”
Reactions to the Ombudsmans Report from WJS Trustee were as follows:
Brian Hennessey, the Managing Director, commented:
“From the reasons given for the withdrawal of funding, it could be concluded that “services to the jazz music sector in Wales” was an integral part of ACW strategy but being neglected by the Society. It is surprising therefore that since the Welsh Jazz Society was relieved of this responsibility, no other group, society or organisation has been asked to undertake this valued role.”
Gill Evans a trustee of the WJS stated:
“Education is a large part of the remit of the Arts Council. Jazz as a musical genre is recognised both at university degree level and part of mainstream education. The Welsh Joint Education Committee includes jazz as part of the curriculum for both GCSE and A Level Music. The University of Wales Cardiff School of Music offers a jazz module during the second year and jazz is also a subject included in their study options for an MA/MMus/PhD. The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama offer a BMus (Hons) Jazz and an MA Jazz. Wales has a reputation of excellence in Jazz - but a small number of performance opportunities. The emergence of enormously talented students currently training in Wales, at tax payer’s expense, will be forced to look for work elsewhere.
It would appear that the only institution - funded by the Welsh Assembly in connection with music performance and music education - that does not recognise this rising tide of talent in jazz, and the growing audience for it, is the Arts Council of Wales”.
Chris Hodgkins, a trustee and a founder of the Welsh Jazz Society, said that the:
“The Actions of the ACW display all the hallmarks of a dysfunctional organisation at large which is notable for a complete lack of planning and commitment of resources to jazz activity throughout Wales. The National Assembly of Wales would perform an invaluable service to the taxpayer in Wales if it conducted a thorough review of the operational effectiveness and efficiency of the ACW. The organisations corporate plan is straight out of Alice in Wonderland, with an executive pay policy that appears to have come from the Royal Bank of Scotland”.
Monty Coffin, Chairman of the Welsh Jazz Society, said of the Arts Council of Wales decision:
"The Ombudsman's decision has removed one of the two reasons given by ACW for termination of Welsh Jazz Society funding. The other reason was that WJS did not fit in with their minimal policy for jazz. The decision was arrived at with little or no consultation - none at all with us. The ACW jazz policy was already in tatters with the demise of the original Brecon Jazz Festival. What is ACW policy for jazz now? Why was there no Jazz Review, as promised, in 2002? It almost seems as if ACW decided to axe our funding first and then look for reasons later”. The Welsh Jazz Society demands that the Arts Council for Wales undertakes a full review of jazz in Wales with adequate consultation with interested and involved parties.
For a detailed explanation of events leading up to the ACW apology, please see this attachment in .pdf format – it makes interesting reading!
NATIONAL JAZZ CARD MEMBERSHIP
For just £15 a year you will receive a National Jazz Card that offers concessions at most jazz venues plus six editions of JAZZ U.K. - Britain's foremost jazz magazine - mailed to your door. Just send a cheque with your full name and address to: Jazz Productions-Wales at 26, The Balcony, Castle Arcade, Cardiff, CF10 1 BY.
CAFE JAZZ celebrates 15 years of jazz presentations.
Probably the longest running jazz club in Wales and certainly the only one to have maintained a five nights a week programme for such a length of time. Thank you to our hosts, the Sandringham Hotel for making the brave decision to allow us to park a grand piano in their restaurant. Thanks to our associates, The Cardiff Jazz Society and The Preservation Jazz Society and Blues Dragon for their major contributions to the programme and of course, thanks to our patrons who pay to get in but rarely ask for their money back. At Cafe Jazz, you can wine and dine too - in the cosy restaurant while listening to the music. National Jazz Card holders enjoy a 20% discount from the food bill.
Gigs in AUGUST at Cafe Jazz, St Mary Street, Cardiff
Follow CAFE JAZZ on facebook!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Use this link to see up to the minute news of bands, meal deals and photos!!!!!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cardiff-United-Kingdom/CafeJAZZ-Bar-Restaurant-Live-Music/53712004434
You can also follow CAFE JAZZ on Twitter !!! http://twitter.com/CafeJazz_Cdff
SUNDAYS: A new venture for Cafe Jazz!!!! D'TABA and guests. Purveyors of fine organic latin jazz, D'Taba pays tribute to the rich musical cultures of southern latitudes. Relax to sensitive interpretations of the songs that will invoke images of seductive, sun drenched far away lands!!! ADMISSION IS £3.00
****MONDAYS THE JAZZ ATTIC JAM SESSION - This weekly session has been home to many of South Wales' finest musicians and enthusiastic amateurs for over fifteen years. As of August Jazz Attic moves to a new home home on Wednesdays. In August the chosen night will be the 25th. Jazz Attic offers the chance to 'sit in' with our talented house trio. All instruments and singers are welcome and anyone who arrives early enough will be given a chance to play. Admission is only £2. Music starts at 8.45pm but arrive earlier if you want to ensure you get on stage during the evening****
TUESDAYS Every Tuesday THE PRESERVATION JAZZ SOCIETY present good time jazz and swing in the traditional styles of the 20's and 30's in a friendly cafe bar atmosphere. Admission is £4.00 / £3.50 (members) and £2 (students) except for special events listings (***)
3: The Creole Quartet
10: Norman Thatchers Band w/ Martin Butterworth
17: THe Wessex New Orleans Jazzband
24:Norman Thatchers New Orleans Four
WEDNESDAYS
4: WASE - African inspired jazz funk and world music
11:THE COMBO w/ Ceri Williams - Funky and swinging versions of standards
18: DAVE MOREAU QUINTET - Classic quintet influenced by Pepper, Adderley and Turrentine
25: JAZZ ATTIC JAM SESSION - a chance to "sit in" or just sit and watch
THURSDAYS
5: JAMES CHADWICK BAND -Subtle and melodious originals and standards led by guitar
12: ANDREAS VARADY w/ John Gibbon Trio- Gypsy jazz at its best for guitar prodigy
19: LOU NOBLE & THE SAUCE - Local singer songwriter introduces originals andcovers with funky band
26: JULIAN MARTIN TRIO - Piano led trio influnced by Evans and Jarrett
FRIDAYS
BLUES AT IT'S BEST - PRESENTED BY BLUES DRAGON
6: THE FORSTAR KING BAND *** £5
13: HARRI's BLUES BAND
20: THE HEALERS***(£6)
27: THE FUGITIVES
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Other Welsh Jazz Venues that welcome your patronage.
DEMPSEYS, CASTLE STREET, CARDIFF - Dempseys has a programme of varied and electic music. For more details see http://homepage.ntlworld.com/brenda.obrien1/
IVY BUSH TAVERN, NEWPORT - is the venue for old style New Orleans Jazz every Friday from 3.00pm until 6.00pm. The featured band is the Camelia Jazz Band and admission is FREE. Real ale, of course, plus tasty creole dishes from just £2.50 Just whats needed in a credit crunch. Call 01633 666699 for more info.
BELL INN, NEWPORT - Tom Williams' band will be performing smooth jazz every Sunday from 2.00pm. They play a mix of blues, bop, swing and beyond. contact the Bell Inn, Caerleon on 01633 420613 or see www.the bellatcaerleon.co.uk for more info
CLUB Y BONT - PONTYPRIDD - jazz workshop series on the first Wednesday of each month starting at 7.30pm. The next one takes place in September. A welcome to musicians of all abilities to work on a series of pieces to be performed that evening. Admission is £2. For more details contact the club on 01443 9142.
FOURCROFT HOTEL - TENBY - the hotel presents a jazz brunch once a month. The jazz returns in September. For more details call 01834 842886 or see www.fourcroft-hotel.co.uk
THEATR BRYCHEINIOG - BRECON - the jazz in the bar programme in a relaxed setting. Once again the jazz returns in Spetember. See www.jazzinthebar.com or call 01874 61122 for more details.
BRECON JAZZ FESTIVAL - As ever there is a varied and wide ranging line up here. For more details see www.breconjazz.co.uk
THE MET BAR - ABERTILLERY - the Metropole theatre bar plays host to jazz once every other month. They will return in September. For more info see www.themetbar.co.uk or tel 01495 322510
QUEENS HEAD- MONMOUTH - As ever the Queens Head provides a platform for local and national bands to play to a responsive and appreciative crowd. They feature superb bands every Wednesday and host a jazz jam night every Thursday. Some highlights for August include: Magic Hat Ensemble (4), Detox (11), Lee Jones Trio (18), Laura Collins Quartet (25)For more details call 01600 712767 or see www.queensheadmonmouth.co.uk/listen
BLACK MOUNTAIN JAZZ - at the King's Arms, Abergavenny. In Agiu there is no gig but an audience with Andy Sheppard on the 8th. See www.black-mountain-jazz.org.uk for full details.
SWANSEA JAZZLAND, (07802912789) - Another star studded month featuring exceptional artists at one of the premier jazz venues in Wales. Ibn August they host Digby Fairweather (4), Organ Donor (11), Trefor Owen quartet (18), Berri Rays Bank Holiday Gig (25). Please see www.swanseajazzland.co.uk for full details of their programme
MUMBLES CONSERVATIVE CLUB - Swanseas other jazz venue hosts traditional bands once a week. For details please call 01792 772776
LANELLI: Altalia Bistro Bar will present jazz club on the first Thursday of each month.The house band will be the Tommy Harris Quartet who will feature a new guest every month. See www.altalia.co.uk for furthur details.
WELSHPOOL, POWYS - The Raven Inn, Welshpool host a jam session on the second Sunday of each month. There is a seven piece band playing trad/Chicago material plus regular sitters in. For more info call Jeff Matthews on 07831 383636.
LLANGOLLAN -THE HANDPOST HOTEL- the Deeside Dixies play trad jazz on the first sunday of every month from 12.30 until 3.00pm. Entry is free and each month a guest musician is featured. Tel 01978 8603003 for more details.
TORFAEN JAZZ SOCIETY- Based at the Sebastapol Social Club the performances take place every Friday in the upstairs bar that has recently been completely refurbished. The club aims to satisfy all tastes with the first Friday in the month reserved for traditional style jazz. The second Friday features mainstream and the third Friday offers Blues. The last Friday each month is reserved for modern or Latin jazz. In August they offer 5 Go Swing (60 plus oter gigs TBC. For full details see www.torfaenjazz.org.uk.
PONTYPOOL JAZZ -The Comrades Club, Market Street is going from strength to strength. Snake Davis Band appear on the 14th. For programme details please contact Gary Stone on 01495 762504.
THE WHITE LION INN- LANELAN -The White Lion in Colwyn Bay plays host to the Colin Higginson Quartet plus guests every Tuesday. For more details call on 01492 515807
JAZZ NIGHT IN PEMBROKE HOUSE HOTEL IN HAVERFORD WEST- The Span Arts Centre have launched what will be a regular series of jazz concerts at Oscar's Bistro at the Pembroke House hotel. You can get more information about the Span Arts jazz programme at www.span-arts.org.uk or phone 01834 869323.
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JAZZ SERVICES FUNDING - Jazz Services have received funding this year to provide for touring of small ensembles performing improvised and/or experimental and/or contemporary music that connect in various ways to audiences who listen and attend jazz and other improvised music events. Email touring@jazzservices.org.uk for more information.
JAZZ EDUCATION- Pathways to Jazz Education is now available from Jazz Services. An essential source book for jazz professionals, teachers and those wishing to learn. It contains comprehensive listings of tutors, courses, resources, organisations and much more, as well as articles from those in the know. Available from Jazz Services for £18.20 (inc postage and packing UK only). http://www.jazzservices.org.uk/
ASSOCIATION OF BRITISH JAZZ MUSICIANS- The ABJM is a non profit making organistion which represents the interests of jazz musicians in the UK and is supported by the Musicians' Union, as well as leading UK jazz personalities. It is the only lobbying organisation within the UK, providing regular meetings for members to express their views, and provides a newsletter for members. Check out www.abjm.org.uk for more information.
JAZZ U.K. - Britains most comprehensive jazz mag had a refit in July. In 2009, a new, revised, colourful and comprehensive magazine IS NOW circulating in an A5 format. This size change has been adopted in view of the new postal regulations and the benefits of the more compact size. Full jazz listings for Wales and the rest of the UK will still be included. If you present or know of any jazz events in your area that are not included, please contact - listings@jazzservices.org.uk and give them details of county, venue, address, telephone number, date of performance and band name. Jazz UK is bi-monthly and requires info by the 15th of the month prior to the publication month.
We handle the bulk distribution of JAZZ UK throughout Wales. There are still areas of the Country we have yet to reach. If you are in one of those areas and have a small space in your car boot for 100 magazines perhaps you would enjoy distributing them to appropriate pick up points. Your fellow jazz fans -currently starved of information - will much appreciate your dedication. Give us a call and we will put you on the mailing list.
GOOD LISTENING TO ALL OUR MEMBERS AND FRIENDS.
Jazz Productions -Wales.
26, The Balcony, Castle Arcade, Cardiff CF10 1BY U.K.
Tel: 02920 665161
