jazzahead! 2025 – “how tremendous for British jazz to be a part of such a celebration”

On the final day of registration for this year’s Jazzahead, Nicky Schrire reflects on the value of the event, and on the build-up over the past two years which has led to a more cohesive and substantial UK presence.

One of the fundamental pillars of jazz is community. Sure, it’s a small community even on a global scale but that is why a tradition like jazzahead! is so important and impactful. Jazz industry figures and musicians from around the world come together annually in the German city of Bremen to meet, catch up with old friends, hear jazz showcases from international jazz talent, and to celebrate the jazz ecosystem in an exciting, warm and engaging environment.

One of the goals of this multifaceted gathering (jazzahead! includes an exhibition, showcase festival, panels and conferences) is to support and encourage community engagement, business partnerships, and artistic collaboration. Exhibitors and participants include bookers, club promoters, venues, talent agencies, festival directors, musicians, media representatives and many more. The opportunity to network face-to-face is invaluable and this is just one reason why it is such a feat for England to have its own exhibition stand alongside countries like Germany, France, Italy and many more.

After 2023 when there was no overall UK base on the floor – Creative Scotland has been consistent in its support for Scottish jazz – this will be the United Kingdom’s second year with a stand at jazzahead! and it is a result of UKJN editor Sebastian Scotney’s thoughtful and consistent community-building. Sebastian understands firsthand how to nurture and grow a jazz community. He’s been at the helm of UK Jazz News as its editor and founder for most of two decades. Not only has he made sure the UK jazz scene is given an online platform and celebrated locally, but he’s also fostered relationships with jazz folks abroad, like jazzahead!’s CEO Sybille Kornitschky, to ensure British jazz musicians are part of the global conversation.

Sybille says, “As a platform for global jazz connections, jazzahead! is delighted to strengthen ties with England and the UK at the 2025 Trade Fair and Festival. The work of our UK and Ireland Ambassador, Nick Brown, has played an instrumental role in bringing this together, and we look forward to seeing England elevate its international presence, ensuring English artists and industry professionals take their rightful place on the global stage.”

Sebastian echoes Sybille’s sentiments and reflects on this progress by adding, “These endeavours do seem to be moving in the direction of the UK scene putting on more of a united front internationally, and Nick’s achievement in securing Arts Council funding is a fantastic base upon which to build.”

After a lapse, 2024 was the first year that there was a British stand on the jazzahead! exhibition floor. Sebastian and Nick created a central meeting point for British musicians participating in the conference, from saxophonist Trish Clowes, vocalist Emma Smith and pianist Sultan Stevenson to Guildhall School of Music & Drama’s Head of Jazz, Dr. Jo Lawry. Supporting UK jazz artists and industry players was but one aim of the stand. The other goal was to pique the interest of people of other nationalities who might consider future collaborations with English musicians, venues, festivals and more.

Dr Claire Mera-Nelson, Director of Music at Arts Council England swiftly acknowledged this achievement in explaining the Council’s decision to support English jazz at jazzahead! for the 2025 conference. “Arts Council England is delighted to support this strategic investment for English jazz,” she said. “Celebrating the achievements and visibility of outstanding jazz artists on the world stage, our partnership with jazzahead! will enable England’s extraordinary and diverse jazz talent to make the most of the opportunities that await them, supported by a fantastic coalition of UK partners.”

The UK Jazz stand for 2025 will really drive home the tenet that community is at the core of jazz, on and off the stage. For the first time, the stand will be hosted by a collective of UK partners comprising Jazz Promotion Network, UK Jazz News, Jazzwise Magazine, ECN Music, Peter Conway Promotions and British Underground. Crispin Parry, CEO of British Underground said, “British Underground understands that international showcasing can be transformative for musicians so we are excited to collaborate in the development of this new initiative at jazzahead! supporting new talent from England and their industry networks.”

An English showcase club night event curated by promoter Peter Conway (presented at the Bremer Shakespeare Theatre) will feature three leading English jazz acts: Mark Kavuma, Jo Harrop and Rebecca Nash. Jazz trumpeter Henry Spencer will also present a showcase as part of the official jazzahead! showcase Programme. Tim Garland‘s Trio will be at the acoustically fabulous Sendesaal.

British Underground will also bring their experience of managing music, tech and arts programmes on the international stage by coordinating a small group of delegate bursaries for artists and managers new to jazzahead!

UK jazz participants can also look forward to a programme of speed networking sessions on festivals, touring and label contacts; several ‘meet the showcase artists’ sessions; discussions panels and presentations; and an informal daily networking reception will be hosted by ArtsCouncil and its partners.

jazzahead! celebrates the very best of the jazz industry and the very best trait of jazz music itself – the notion that there is strength, variety and vibrancy in numbers. Jazz is a team sport and the ecosystem thrives as long as it has a home and support. The 2025 conference is sure to confirm this and how tremendous for British jazz to be a part of such a celebration.