Edinburgh Jazz and Jive Club

29th January 2024

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Jazz has had a strong presence in the capital city for nearly long as the music has existed and out of Edinburgh have come some great players. The tradition continues and the weekly club is able to give a platform to some of these fine musicians. The rise in popularity of swing dancing has seen a growth in the numbers who take part in regular dance sessions and lessons across the city. I have been particularly struck by the numbers of regular attendees at the Jazz and Jive Club who hail from all parts of the globe. The appeal is universal and it is lovely to be part of something that welcomes such a diverse group. 

There is a different band on duty each week and the challenge and inspiration for the musician is to provide music that everyone will want to dance to! Getting the right tempo and choosing a variety of tunes (slow/medium/fast) that will appeal is an essential part of the brief. In response, the dancers' enthusiasm and unflagging commitment inspires the musicians to even greater heights of swing and shades of blue!

Featured in the photos is my band my Renaissance Swing Band. Colin Steele (trumpet), Martin Foster (reeds), Roy Percy (bass), Jim Drummond (drums), David Patrick (piano) & Bill Jones (trombone).

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