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.
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. In the last year we have had sessions on individual artists, particular genres of jazz, sessions on particular themes. 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 in the coming months.
Our contact with the University jazz course has provided two excellent sessions over the past two years. As usual there will be a new intake of students this year and Nick Reynolds the senior lecturer responsible hopes they will provide another great session for us as a pre-Christmas treat.
Currently we have over 30 members and the Physic Garden room provides a relaxed, comfortable and informal atmosphere with good quality sound equipment (and tea and biscuits half way through). 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.
The Jazz Appreciation group meets on the 1st Wednesday of the month at 2.30pm at the Physic Garden Room (except August). Meetings last about one and a half hours and there is a £1 contribution to the cost of the room. New members are always welcome.
Contact convenors Andy and Joyce Borthwick for more information.