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.
Programme for January to April 2020
All sessions start at 2.30 in the Petersfield Physic Garden Room
Wednesday January 8th - “French Connection” - Brian
We continue our national themed sessions with this look at a selection from Brian who presents a range of sounds and “artistes a la France - ancienne avec modern”. France has long been a rich source of jazz and has produced some world famous musicians
Wednesday February 5th - “My Memorable Jazz” – David Hague
A journey with David listening to the music that he remembers with affection and which still resonates with him. Includes some absolute classics plus a few unexpected pieces from his more recent memories.
Wednesday March 4th – “European and other Jazz” – Peter Linden
The much awaited session led by Peter Linden who introduces us to some of his favourite jazz from his collection. He has recently updated and overhauled his ideas by including some new European bands.
Wednesday April 1st – “April Fool?” – Andy Borthwick
Some jazz which reflects the date. A mixture of classic favourites and some surprises are included in this selection of jazz which reflects versions of jazz numbers which invoke April – and foolishness.
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.