20-year milestone for West Berks jazz forum that welcomes all-comers
ON Friday evening, Hungerford Jazz Forum celebrates its 20th anniversary at the Royal British Legion, Hungerford.
The forum, or HJF, was started by Andy Richardson of Hungerford and George Wicks of Newbury, who are musicians who wanted to play jazz.
Twenty years ago, opportunities were quite limited, so the pair decided to get something going in Hungerford using the then functioning Newbury Jazz Platform and a similar group in Windsor as models.
They had contacts with the (HADCAF) now the Hungerford Summer Festival. George Wicks had recently set up the Apollo Big Band, which is now 21 years old, and had played a concert as part of the festival. Shortly after that George and Andy set up the Jazz Forum. The idea was to provide opportunities for musicians or would be musicians to “have a go” or, as George put it, “encouraging beginning players in a friendly atmosphere”.
This is done by setting up jam session numbers where everyone has the chance to play and, depending on their skill, can play in the background or come more to the fore and even take a solo. More advanced players are encouraged to play with others of similar ability and form groups to play in front of the audience.
The Royal British Legion, Hungerford has a wonderful room with a stage, and an excellent bar, while the forum provides music books and stands, lights, microphones and speakers in a professional setting. This allows the better players to present themselves at their best.
Beginning players have always been supported and are encouraged to play without criticism. And there is always an audience who enjoy an evening of jazz in friendly and convivial surroundings.
Many players have passed through HJF in 20 years. Some from local schools have gained experience and set up their own groups and then move away to university.
An HJF star is Steph Richardson who sang in her school choir but also at HJF. She is highly regarded and has sung with the Apollo Big Band, the National Youth Jazz Orchestra and at venues such as the Corn Exchange Newbury and The Rye International Jazz Festival.
The 20th birthday celebrations, with cake, at the British Legion, Hungerford on Friday at 8pm will be a night to remember.
