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HeadlineLondon jazz scene is experiencing a ‘resurgence’ thanks to young artists

Short HeadlineLondon jazz scene 'resurgent'

StandfirstA new generation are making jazz accessible to new and old audiences alike.

Jazz music in London is gaining in popularity. That’s according to experts and enthusiasts who feel positive about a new generation of artists taking on the genre.

This comes ahead of the London Jazz Festival, which starts on Friday.

Paul James, store manager of Flashback Records in Islington, says a new generation of jazz artists are removing the genres “stuffy” image and “making it more accessible.”

This accessibility he says “means more innovation and crossing with genres such as hip-hop”.

He describes the current trend as a “new wave”. Through his store he has noticed an increase in interest in, more playing and therefore greater of jazz in the capital.

Whilst a new generation might be making jazz there own, it doesn’t mean older fans can’t still enjoy it too.

The truth of this can be seen across the capital. At The Spice Up Your Life Bar, a weekly group meets to watch jazz including young, up and coming artists.

The organiser, David Burr, says “jazz will survive for a long time because of its adaptability.

He cites a band playing who are young and yet have taken 1920’s classic jazz and made it there own. His audience he says ‘love it because they know the music and yet it’s still fresh.”