ABOUT THIS PROJECT
One of our more challenging projects was NLHF's invitation to conduct a 'Breaking Barriers' project. We decided to tackle face-on the barriers that exist, for better or worse, in contemporary jazz society (as well as society in general). Our interviews include jazz instrumentalists and singers who also held positive views (and conducted activities in) the fields of racial, gender equality and LGBTQI+ issues. We also examined (and talked to people) about the more general barrier that (in our opinion) surrounds jazz in the public view, because of lack of a clear definition, limited presence in the popular media and the powerful restrictions experienced by the music in the wider world of the present day 'music industry'. We enjoyed the conversations and hope that some useful areas for future discussion may result from our work.
THE INTERVIEWEES
We had funding for 3 key interviews and we were incredibly excited to reach out to some young and well established musicians within the UK jazz scene. We give a huge thank you to each interviewee for sharing their thoughts on the topic 'Breaking Barriers'. Find out more about our interviewees and their current projects via the below links.
We also interviewed our very own Digby Fairweather as leader of 'The 100 Club' project. Within his interview Digby shares his observations on 'Breaking Barriers' from his 5 decade career in Music.
LARA JONES
A member of award-winning trio J Frisco and 4 pieces Beyond Albedo, Lara Jones is a saxophonist, improviser, composer, educator and collaborator based in London.
Lara talks about 'Breaking Barriers' with us with a focus on LGBTQI+, education and women in music. We also hear about the great projects Lara is working on and her thoughts on the 'Free Jazz' subgenre.
AYDENNE SIMONE
Jazz and Blues singer Aydenne Simone has had an incredibly busy music career spanning 3 decades. Within her interview, Aydenne talks about race, women in music and the integrity required for jazz music performance.
Learn more about Aydenne, upcoming concert dates and music projects on her website.
TOM SMITH
Award-winning saxophonist and composer Tom Smith spoke about the topic of 'Breaking Barriers' with a focus on LGBTQ+ from his background. Amid his activities within the UK Jazz Scene Tom runs a number of his own bands including Queertet, a band celebrating the works of LGBTQI+ musicians, which sold out two headline shows at Ronnie Scott’s for London Pride 2018. Learn more about Tom on his website.
The Jazz Centre (UK)
Beecroft Art Gallery
Victoria Ave
Southend-on-Sea
SS2 6EX, UK
THE JAZZ CENTRE UK WEBSITE
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