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It's now January 2012 and we are disappointed to report that there is little sign of progress for Jazz in Wales since our last report of September 2010. ( see below)
The promoter of the Brecon Jazz Festival has given up the challenge. Still no sign of any Welsh Jazz Composers Orchestra activity despite the assurances made in the Arts Council of Wales Music Strategy document referred to in our September 2010 report.
But the many jazz enthusiasts across Wales will soldier on and volunteer their services to jazz with enthusiasm. Fine musicians will continue to provide live performances with little thought as to the remuneration.
Great music usually comes out of deprivation and adversity so perhaps it is just as well that the Arts Council of Wales treats the funding of jazz as unnecessary.
Jazz in Wales – a progress report September2010.
In July 2008, The Welsh Jazz Society ceased to be a Revenue Funded client of the Arts Council of Wales. The Arts Council decision to cease funding was based on their assertion that:
· The Welsh Jazz Society was not providing adequate services to the jazz music sector.
· The Arts Councils strategic priorities were not being acknowledged
· The Welsh Jazz Society was failing in its role as a Promoter
Following representations to the Ombudsman, the allegation concerning the role as a promoter was withdrawn and a written apology was issued by the Arts Council. For full details of the extended exchanges with the Arts Council and the Ombudsman, please see the link below this report.
The decision to withdraw funding remained and after over 30 years of promoting jazz in Wales, the Welsh Jazz Society ceased trading. Despite disappointment at the demise of the leading jazz society in Wales, we were encouraged to believe that jazz in Wales might survive when we had sight of the Arts Council of Wales strategy for jazz issued in 2009. Here is an extract from that document:
A leading international event such as Brecon Jazz has created a profile for Wales and for jazz and the Welsh Jazz Composers Orchestra has brought together a dynamic grouping of some of the best talents in Wales. They are dedicated to opening new ways of working within the big band format and in combos .Many of its players perform with nationally and internationally recognised artists. Arts Council of Wales wantsto support a more ambitious, dynamic and cohesive approach to jazz and its year round programming across Wales.
The Arts Council is committed to enabling people across Wales to experience and participate in the best of music in all its forms. It recognises that the make-up of modern day Wales reflects many genres and distinctive musics. The Arts Council of Wales is committed to making this more visible and heard. Whatever the development in technology, we still put a premium on the live shared experience of music. The Arts Council of Wales wishes to develop live audiences for music, supporting the work of venues and organisations addressing growth, renewal and new audiences for the whole variety of forms of music.
Whoever compiled this strategy, clearly had little knowledge of jazz in Wales or its practioners and audiences, but the declaration was encouraging. It meant that despite the demise of the Welsh Jazz Society, The Arts Council of Wales was determined to give jazz in Wales the attention and investment it deserved.
In June of 2010, we wrote to the Arts Council of Wales to request a “progress report” on the new strategy. We asked the following questions:
(1) Which organisation is now responsible for serving the Welsh jazz music sector?
(2) What effect has the more ambitious,dynamic and cohesive approach to jazz had on the activities of the Welsh JazzComposers Orchestra and what funds have been allocated to assist the Orchestra’s progress and exposure?
(3) Apart from the Brecon Jazz Festival,what success can the ACW report in enabling people in Wales to experience and participate in jazz music education and performance?
(4) What progress has been achieved by the support of a more ambitious, dynamic and cohesive approach to jazz across Wales in the past year?
(5) Which jazz venues and organisations apart from Hay Festivals Ltd have received ACW support and benefited from Revenue Grant funding during 2009/10?
The ACW Music Officer kindly responded to our enquiries. Here is a summary:
(1) ACW is now responsible for serving the Welsh jazz music sector.
(2) The Brecon Jazz Festival in 2010 would feature the Welsh Jazz Composers Orchestra. A fee of £28,000 had been allocated to the WJCO from the Festival budget.
(This was indeed a generous fee particularly as the WJCO was not even mentioned in the Brecon Festival 2010 programme. We have been unable to ascertain if the Orchestra has performed at all in the last year)
(3) In addition to Revenue support for the Brecon and Hay Festivals, support is also provided to festivals such as Abersoch and Porthcawl. ACW expects that given Hay Festivals world-wide expertise we can expect more opportunities for Welsh musicians to work internationally.
(There is no mention that ACW financial support for Hay Festivals Ltd. has ceased and that Abersoch and Porthcawl rely upon small allocations from lottery funds with no assurance of continuity)
(4) Support is provided to Jazz Heritage- Wales, Swansea Jazzland, The North Wales Jazz Society and Cardiff Jazz Society.
(These promoters receive small allocations from Lottery funds but with no assurance of continuity)
(5) We are keen to support exemplar activity that young people can aspire to. One of the key initiatives is the National Jazz Youth Orchestra of Wales which is revenue funded.
(There is some confusion here. The NJYOW is administered by Ty Cerdd. It is Ty Cerdd that receives the Revenue Grant. But the Ty Cerdd web site shows that the NJYOW was last active in November 2007. The next "get together" is scheduled for April 2011)
We cannot but conclude that the admirable objectives of an “ambitious, dynamic and cohesive approach to jazz across Wales” has yet to be realised.
For a detailed explanation of events leading up to the ACW apology, please see this attachment in .pdf format – it makes interesting reading!
Gigs in February 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
MONDAYS Cafe Jazz offers occasional presentations on Monday evenings. In January on the 13th the New Old Fashioned Jazz Band will appear in concert.
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 (***)
7: RON KING'S BAND
14: WESSEX NEW ORLEANS BAND
21: NORMAN THATCHER'S RAGTIME BAND
28: DAVE SMITH FOUR
WEDNESDAYS
1: CAL NEWMAN - Cardiff's own gravel voiced bluesman returns for blues and ragtime
8: JAZZ ATTIC JAM SESSION - a chance to "sit in" or just sit and watch
15: JAZZ ATTIC JAM SESSION - a chance to "sit in" or just sit and watch
22: DONALD SWEENEY QUINTET - all star band with American vibist Christian Krehbiel
29: QUENTIN COLLINS/BRANDON ALLEN QUARTET - nationally touring group mix bop ansd standards
THURSDAYS
2: BRIDGETTE BEREHA TRIO - Bridgette returns from her Ronnie Scott's appearances in triumph
9: PARTIKEL TRIO - cutting edge sax led trio
16: CENTRELINE - contemporary funk and jazz from London
23: GARETH ROBERTS QUINTET - the return of the lively group led by trombone ace Gareth
FRIDAYS
BLUES AT IT'S BEST - PRESENTED BY BLUES DRAGON
3: HIDEAWAY TRIO
10: THE FUGITIVES
17: ROGER SLADE BULLFROGS
24: PANIC STATION
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How about enjoying some jazz on local radio? Rhys Phillips presents Jazz Special every Sunday night on Radio Cardiff - 98.7FM across the city and online at http://www.radiocardiff.org. Playing a mix of jazz from the big band era right up to the latest new releases as well as interviews and sessions with big names and up and coming jazz artists. He also features album reviews, competitions, the weekly gig guide and best swing, latin, big band, funk, soul and jazz music.
Tune in between 9 and 10pm or listen online for 7 days at http://www.jazzspecial.co.uk where you can also download a podcast of weekly highlights.
If you have recordings that you'd like to hear or a gig you want to promote, please let Rhys know on rhys.phillips@radiocardiff.org.
Other Welsh Jazz Venues that welcome your patronage.
DEMPSEYS, CASTLE STREET, CARDIFF - Dempseys has a programme of varied and electic music. Highlights this month include: CAPITAL CITY JAZZ ORCH. (7) ALEX HAINES QUINTET (15), NICK MALCOLM QUINTET (21). For more details see www.jazzatdempseys.org
HOT SHOT JAZZ CLUB - This is a new venture based in the Shot in the Dark Cafe at 12 City Road Cardiff. It promises to be a great sounding and intimate venue with a great selection of music and bands performing there. This month their program is as yet TBC.
PEAR TREE CAFE - Another new venue for jazz in Cardiff!! Based in Wellfield Road, Roath the Peartree is offering free jazz on the last Thursday of each month. Come and enjoy great live jazz and food including sandwiches, salads and tapas in a central location. Please see www.peartreecafebar.co.uk or www.facebook.com/peartreecafebar for more info.
LIME TREE CAFE - linked to the Pear Tree but welcoming you in Chepstow is the Lime Tree - situated on St. Mary's Street you can enjoy live jazz on the 2nd Thursday of each moth with a great selection of food and wine. Please see www.limetreecafebar.com/index for more info.
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. 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.
GLOBETROTTERS BAR - based at the back of the Llanover Arms pub this is a trendy venue that has a great atmosphere which is presently looking for bands for performances. Give Dan Jones a ring on 07907616675 for furthur details.
FOURCROFT HOTEL - TENBY - The hotel presents a jazz brunch once a month. In February they welcome the AMIGOS on the 19th. For more details call 01834 842886 or see www.fourcroft-hotel.co.uk
THEATR BRYCHEINIOG - BRECON/POWYS - The jazz in the bar programme features great music in a relaxed setting. They feature PAUL MUNNERY'S SWING STREET BAND on the 14th. See www.jazzinthebar.com or call 01874 61122 for more details.
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 this month include: JAMES HOLLINGSWORTH (5), CERI WILLIAMS BAND (8), KEVIN FIGES TRIO (15), 3 SQUARE (22), JEAN PAUL GARD (29). For more details call 01600 712767 or see www.queensheadmonmouth.co.uk/listen
BLACK MOUNTAIN JAZZ - At the King's Arms, Abergavenny. The Black Mountain Society continues it's programme in February with the RWCMD jazz ensemble on the 19th at the Kings Arms, 29 Nevill Street, Abergavenny. Check http://bmjazz.tumblr.com/ for full details.
SWANSEA JAZZLAND, (07802912789) - Another star studded month featuring exceptional artists at one of the premier jazz venues in Wales. This month they welcome: JIM MULLEN QUARTET (8), CENTRELINE (15), BRIDGEND BIG BAND (22), ART THEMEN w/ Dave Cottle Trio (29). 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- TJS is now based at PANTEG HOUSE , GreenHill Road, Griffithstown NP4 5BE where the performances take place every Friday, 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 January they offer:ANDREW FAWCETT/DICK HAMER QUARTET (8), STUART POWER QUARTET (10), 200MPH (17), SIMON SPILLETT(24). For full details see www.torfaenjazz.org.uk.
PONTYPOOLJAZZ -The Comrades Club, Market Street returns this month with MILES BEHIND on the 18th. See http://homepage.ntlworld.com/brenda.obrien1/ppjazz/ for more info.
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 please see www.whitelioninn.co.uk for more info.
HAVERFORWEST: Span Arts continue with their programme of monthly concerts. The venue is the DINGLE CLUB NARBETH which will host the CLAUDIA GUNNARS TRIO on the 14th. Tickets from Span Arts 01834 869323. Tickets are £6/£5. More info is available at www.span-arts.org.uk.
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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
