Petersfield

Jazz Appreciation

The Jazz Appreciation Group members do not themselves play Jazz – they listen to it! And they talk about it! And they learn about it. Occasionally they watch it being played live, or projected on a big screen.

The programme covers all different types of Jazz and sessions are organised and run by the members themselves. Every attempt is made to ensure that everybody’s jazz interests are accommodated whilst at the same time trying to open up to new artists and numbers. All levels of interest and expertise are represented from those wanting to ‘tip their toes in the water’ to those who have listened to and indeed played jazz for years.

We have, through the good offices of the internet and members’ own collections a huge range of music and we aim to listen to around a dozen different tracks in the 90 minutes we meet. Since we began we have had sessions on individual artists, particular genres of jazz, sessions on particular themes and a focus on jazz from across the world. More recently the group has linked up with the Chichester University specialist Jazz Music department and has enjoyed a live performance from talented students, a connection which is expected to develop further. Our contact with the University jazz course, Nick Reynolds, the senior lecturer responsible.

Currently we have over 30 members and the Community Centre hall provides a relaxed, comfortable and informal atmosphere with good quality sound equipment (and tea and biscuits half way through) as well a projector and large screen. On occasions we also have films about Jazz (e.g. Newport Festival) and from time to time we watch extracts from an American TV series about the history of jazz which has met with universal acclaim.

Members also exchange information about upcoming live jazz events with some members arranging to go to these together.

New members are always welcome.