HISTORY

Formed in 1995, Totnes Jazz Collective is the foremost promoter of modern, contemporary and cutting edge jazz in the south-west of England.

It began at the end of 1994 when Miles Away, a local band with a good following, was informed that the Totnes pub which provided their main platform could no longer afford them as a six-piece. During what threatened to be Miles Away's last gig Mike Green, Sam Richards and Rod Edwards plus a few pints of beer hatched the idea of a jazz club run by musicians as a collective, with musical considerations leading commercial ones rather than vice versa.

Over the new year period they contacted a number of leading jazz musicians resident in the locality. The first meetings took place at Sam Richards' home. Mike Green, a graphic artist became the Jazz Collective's poster designer, Sam Richards became a committee member and regular performer, and Rod Edwards, a non-performing enthusiast, continues to attend the monthly gigs as a regular supporter. The pints of beer are as ever.

The Royal Seven Stars Hotel with its large 1950s upstairs ballroom and bar (one of whose features is its kitsch mural of the Moulin Rouge, can-can dancers and all) was the best contender for a monthly venue. The TJC has an excellent working relationship with the hotel, and has met there every month from its inception, both for gigs and committee meetings.

The principles and aims upon which the TJC was founded have remained as firm as ever. They are

• To run a monthly jazz club.
• To give modern, contemporary and cutting-edge styles a much-needed platform.
• To provide gigs for its own members.
• To provide gigs for regionally based musicians in the South-West.
• To occasionally feature known performers from the national and international scenes.
• To encourage new bands.
• To cultivate an audience for contemporary jazz.
• To operate as a collective run by musicians.
• To promote a varied and exciting programme as free from commercial pressures as possible.

Other activities followed. A jazz workshop, initially tutored by saxophonist Mick Green, has become a regular weekly feature, and has been more recently taken over by Harbertonford's Cuban percussionist Fred Legge. It especially welcomes beginners.

A Totnes Jazz Collective Big Band was formed by Lewis Riley from the outset. This 14 piece band has presented gigs featuring its own varied repertoire as well as tributes to great jazz composers such as Thelonius Monk, Charles Mingus and Gil Evans. Lewis Riley has also taken the Big Band to a number of schools in the region conducting workshops and performances for young people.

A number of community based projects have been initiated by Sam Richards involving locally based musicians, new works and improvisations. In 2001 Sam Richards also initiated Strange Noise, an occasional evening of experimental and improvised music at a smaller venue, The Kingsbridge Inn, seating, at maximum, around forty people.

Over the years the TJC has attracted funding both for its monthly programme and educational work. Funds have come from South West Arts, The National Lottery and the Performing Rights Society. However the TJC largely supports itself through door money, proving that integrity and survival are not incompatible.

Our free monthly mailing list of forthcoming gigs is available at subscribe@totnesjazzcollective.org