Introduction
Currently, there are at least 120 u3a groups with Jazz in their title. Many call themselves Jazz Appreciation Groups, but others include words such as swing, blues, big band, Dixieland, mad, performance, outings, songbook, modern, roots, and this diversity hints at the fact that there is a lot more to Jazz than many might imagine. I hope this website will provide a source of information about all types of Jazz and enable you to appreciate Jazz even more. New readers may wish to browse the whole website but if you know what you want click on one of the buttons below to take you straight to a section that interests you
History of Jazz
Rather than provide details of the history of Jazz here I would suggest you take advantage of the many publications and online datasources that already exist and provide excellent information for those looking to find out about this fascinating and unique artform.
My personal favourite book in this regard is Jazz – History, Instruments, Musicians and Recordings by John Fordham, published by Dorling Kindersley in 1993. Although now out of print it is widely available via online book sellers and would be an ideal starting point for anyone looking for accurate historical information as a basis for Jazz Appreciation presentations. The Jazz Centre UK in Southend has an extensive library of books and there is an even larger collection at the National Jazz Archive (click useful adresses button). Many academic institutions provide access to members of the public by making an appointment while there are some local libraries (e.g. The Bournemouth Music Library) that specialise in music.
For those who prefer to use a computer there are vast resources available online.
The Jazz Centre UK, in Sothend also has a page of recommended links to other websites.
The National Jazz Archive is in Loughton, Essex with a satellite site at The Arts, Design, and Media Archives at Birmingham City University.
The National Museum of American History is one of many archives in the USA that have sections dedicated to Jazz.
My name is Howard Lawes and I have been the Jazz Adviser for the u3a since 2023
When I was growing up in the 1960s, popular music was dominated by the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, but some Jazz musicians, such as Kenny Ball and Acker Bilk, also made it into the popular music charts. As time went on my taste for music expanded to include most types, but it was when I started to learn to play the saxophone that I became more aware of, and grew to love Jazz.
Jazz has been called America’s greatest indigenous art form, and the history of Jazz is both fascinating and enlightening. However, Jazz has been adopted by composers and musicians worldwide, and while American Jazz musicians still top popularity polls, it is enjoyed almost everywhere and has been widely adapted for local tastes.
I most enjoy Jazz played at a live performance, where the audience can appreciate the interaction between musicians and experience the excitement of improvisation in real time that will never happen in the same way again. I love going to gigs at local pubs and clubs and sometimes Jazz festivals. I am involved in programming and publicising the Wednesday Jazz gigs at a local pub, and I volunteer for the EFG London Jazz Festival. I also review albums and write articles about Jazz for an online magazine called What’s New.
I belong to my local u3a Jazz Appreciation Group, and I lead a u3a group called Second Wind, which is a jazz band playing mostly well-known jazz standards.
I hope very much that I can help new and existing u3a members to appreciate jazz of all kinds and welcome contact and enquiries from you all.
Here are a few selected events that u3a jazz enthusiasts might enjoy
There are no current events
Disclaimer
This information is provided in good faith and the author assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this document. The information contained in it is provided on an "as is" basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness or timeliness.