National Jazz Archive

National Jazz Archive

National Jazz Archive logo
Established 1988 (1988)
Location Loughton Library, Traps Hill, Loughton, IG10 1HD
Coordinates 51°38′57″N 0°03′32″E / 51.6492°N 0.059°E / 51.6492; 0.059Coordinates: 51°38′57″N 0°03′32″E / 51.6492°N 0.059°E / 51.6492; 0.059
Public transit access Loughton tube station
Website nationaljazzarchive.org.uk

The National Jazz Archive holds collections of written, printed and visual material on jazz, blues and related music, from the 1920s to the present day.[1] It is based in Loughton Library, Loughton, Essex in England.

The Archive was founded by trumpeter Digby Fairweather in 1988, with support from Essex County Council. The Archive’s vision is to ensure that significant jazz material is safeguarded for future generations of enthusiasts, professionals and researchers.[2]

Patrons of the archive include: Baroness Amos, John Altman, Liane Carroll, Deirdre Cartwright, Gary Crosby, Paul Jones, Soweto Kinch, Dame Cleo Laine, Sir Michael Parkinson, Courtney Pine, The Rt Hon John Prescott MP, Clare Teal, Kate Westbrook and Mike Westbrook. Past patrons and supporters have included Sir John Dankworth CBE, Kenny Ball and George Webb.[3]

In 2011 the Archive was awarded a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. The grant enabled the cataloguing and digitisation of a substantial proportion of the collection, as well as a learning programme for schools and young people.[4]

The National Jazz Archive is a registered charity and relies on support from donations and volunteers.

Collections

The National Jazz Archive holds more than 3,000 reference books, specialist periodicals and bulletins. It also tells the story of jazz and blues in the UK through photographs, printed articles, memorabilia, artworks and personal papers.[5]

The archive has built up a collection of around 2,500 books on jazz, blues, popular music and dance. Books date from 1914 to recent publications on the subject of jazz. Rarities include two early books on jazz: R.W.S. Mendl's The Appeal of Jazz (1927) and Stanley R. Nelson's All About Jazz (1934). Duplicate books are distributed to library outreach partners at institutes of higher education throughout the UK. All books are available for visitors to browse.

The archive holds more than 600 journals dating from 1927 to the present. They reflect historical, cultural, social, and aesthetic developments in jazz. Although the archive holds an extensive collection of rare British journals, it also holds publications from around the world, including important titles from the US and Europe. These are a vital resource for those interested in knowing more about jazz and related popular music.

The archive also holds a poster collection documenting a wide range of promotional material. These include posters from major and small-scale British jazz festivals and concerts, international jazz events, and posters promoting album releases.

Important donations to the archive include unique items such as correspondence, written material and photographs. These belonged to eminent jazz musicians, enthusiasts, and professionals in the music industry. Of particular significance, the archive holds the collections of Mike Westbrook (pianist, composer and arranger), Ian Carr (trumpeter, composer, writer and educator), Charles Fox(author and broadcaster), Ken Colyer (trumpeter and band leader), John Cumming of Serious Music and Johnny Simmen (Swiss jazz historian).

Events and activities

The National Jazz Archive runs a popular talks programme featuring leading musicians and personalities from the British jazz scene. Past speakers have included Michael Parkinson, Acker Bilk, Chris Barber, Sir John Dankworth, and Dame Cleo Laine.

Other events featuring talks and jam sessions have included musicians such as Buddy Greco, Alan Barnes, Paul Jones, John Altman, Roy Williams, and Simon Spillett.

The National Jazz Archive has online learning resources for schools and also participates in Heritage Open Days and has a presence at national jazz festivals.

References

  1. ↑ Gilbert, Mark (December 1999). "Please Talk About Me When I'm Gone". Jazz Review. No. 3.
  2. ↑ Fairweather, Digby (September 2000). Just Jazz. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  3. ↑ Jazz UK. No. 84. January 2008. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  4. ↑ "Dame Cleo Laine announces £346,300 for National Jazz Archive". Heritage Lottery Fund. Retrieved 17 April 2013.
  5. ↑ "Cornucopia: National Jazz Archive Collection Summary". Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA). Retrieved 17 April 2013.
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