Sebastian writes: the news coverage – about the attempt under way to raise money to re-open The Jazz Bar in Edinburgh has been extensive. The Crowdfunder has now raised over £30,000 and the Edinburgh Evening News is reporting that the venue is “saved”.
In this article, musicians and other members of the jazz community express their support:
Nigel Price: The Jazz Bar in Edinburgh has been a cornerstone for UK jazz for decades. A focal point for touring bands and an important cultural asset.
It is currently CLOSED.
Of course, If we had a government that actually placed any value on preserving our heritage they would have swooped in and kept the place alive, but they don’t and they didn’t.
We are on our own here. Again.
Nick and Justyna Mushlin have stepped up to the plate, formed a CIC (community interest company – essentially a ‘not for profit’ organisation) with help and guidance from Mark Davyd and the team at the Music Venues Trust (MVT) and have pledged to bring The Jazz bar back to its former glory. They need to raise at least 35 grand to carry out the repairs and make the place functional again. I say we help them, and in doing so we help not only the jazz musicians and fans of today, but also those of tomorrow.
If we can’t look after our infrastructure and pass something on to the next generation, then what are we even doing?
Please donate to this crowd funder if you can afford to. If you can’t, then please share it.
Derek Nash: Lovely people. Members of Jools’ band have been down to jam after shows. Great vibe, great place. Please get it back open.
Jay Riley: I’ve been to the club many times. Way back in 1998 it was a great hangout for us when we were playing the fringe. I also went in 2001 and several other times whilst my brother lived in the city (can’t remember years).
It’s tragic as I would have thought it was sustainable as it’s quite a small club. My guess is that rent is the issue. Arts venues should get some sort of subsidy I think to save them from becoming a Starbucks.
There is also a great band called Glamour and the Baybes who had a residency there and grew from nothing to releasing albums and touring. I’ve no idea where they’ll go now.
Real shame.
Tom Remon: The incredible Irish drummer David Lyttle had asked me to play with him at The Jazz Bar and then The Blue lamp in Aberdeen (2 day Scottish hit) in May 2022, alongside Lebanese bass player Eli Afif who know lives in Scotland!
This was really the first time I ever got to travel to play so this alone was a huge honour and incredibly exciting ! First of all the scenery of Edinburgh city centre knocked me out, I’ve never seen anything like that in my life before, and how the club was tucked in the beautiful Edinburgh architecture
The club I walked in to knocked me out even further, the way it looked, looked like an old American jazz club that you see on YouTube videos of the greats, and how they have a triple bill most nights, not many clubs do that anymore, I just thought the place was really awesome
Then the music, amazing sound on stage, receptive audience and the gig was so great, playing all of Davids originals which I just about memorised
Then a funk band came on, and I was drinking a few guinesses just hanging out, it was so lovely and we were really looked after!
Eddie Myer: The Jazz Bar in Edinburgh is an essential part of the city’s live music ecosystem and without it high quality jazz will struggle to be heard in the nations capital.
It is also a vital stop on the national touring circuit. Without this keystone venue, organising a tour to other locations in Scotland becomes nearly impossible.
Rob Adams: Bill Kyle’s contribution to jazz in Scotland, from the Platform promoting organization in the 1970s and 1980s through to the Jazz Bar, is immeasurable. Bill won several awards but the big reward was illustrated by the smile on his face as – and this is by no means a comprehensive list – Ravi Coltrane, Jerry Bergonzi, Billy Hart, Buster Williams, Rachel Z, Omar Hakim, Lenny White, Peter King, Jim Mullen, Harold Mabern and one of Bill’s many discoveries, Czech bassist Robert Balzar’s trio – played in his venue. You really don’t want to imagine jazz up here without Bill.
Simon Brown: Whenever I’ve visited Edinburgh I’ve always made a point of visiting the Jazz Bar. Living in Norwich where a dedicated jazz bar unfortunately doesn’t exist, I’ve often envied Edinburgh this place, and I think every city should have one (well, as a jazz promoter, I would say that..) I was really sad to hear about its closure and think that every effort should be made to keep it open. Great musicians, in the first instance, emerge from an environment in which there are opportunities to play and to meet each other – which is exactly what venues like Edinburgh’s Jazz Bar provide to their community; and they’re vital in my view.
Since opening 20-odd years ago, it’s been a venue that has supported Jazz and Blues artists, 7 days a week. Whilst we oldies have rarely stayed until the 3am closing time, we’ve taken full advantage of the early evening opening times on weekdays and early afternoon at weekends when we’ve been entertained by local artists and then later on, when the place heats up, more established artists in the intimate room where patrons are respectful towards performers.
From Jazz trios to a full stage of Jazz/Funk musicians, The Jazz Bar has provided a unique setting for artists and music lovers over the years and the current plans to reopen are most welcome in a city whose residents and visitors support culture and the arts, despite the associated challenges.
Anonymous jazz fans!
Simon Newton: Great atmosphere, stage and vibe. So accessible with rehearsals as well as performances. Just brilliantly simple, stairs down, long bar, stage, cloakroom, some seats and tables. No more required, just add some great jazz and blues from Edinburgh and touring. Musicians are the priority.
Guido Spannocchi: I’ve played at the Jazzbar in Edinburgh a handful of times and always loved it, not only because the sound and backline is great but also because it’s a really hip and happening vibe, people drink and enjoy themselves but it’s never in the way of the music and there’s a certain energy in the room which is hard to find, that perfect balance of a joyful crowd and cutting edge music.
