Experiencing quality music, particularly ‘live’ at local venues, with friends and family inspires our young musicians. Young people already practicing an instrument will find their commitment energized. Children yet to get the bug will ask their parents if they can play an instrument. Music is inspiring, therapeutic and fun.
The Ribble Valley Jazz and Blues Club remain absolutely committed to providing as much access, support and encouragement to our local children and young people, as possible.
If anyone needs convincing of the power of providing musical experiences to young people Just look at this years (2023) Mercury Prize winners, ‘Ezra Collective’. All the band members were helped by local youth services providing access to instruments and musical teaching.
The JJB is awarded by Ribble Valley Jazz and Blues Club to support the development of the musical career of an emerging band or solo artist, musician, educator or composer. The award is named after Geoff Jackson, a founder member of the club who has relentlessly championed younger musicians and youth access to live Jazz and Blues.
NEUTRINO (2020)
A five-piece local band received the first award mid pandemic and were commissioned to compose a track “Jazz Warden”. They performed at the Grand during the online 2021 Festival and with financial and mentoring support have gone on to record their awesome debut album “Our Pet Kracken”.
MAISY RILEY QUARTET (2021)
Maisy is the second winner of the JJB award. Maisy lives in Clitheroe and plays saxophone. She has recently started at Cheetham’s school of music in Manchester. Maisy formed the quartet and was commissioned to record a number of tracks at the Grand recording studio.
Maisy has performed numerous gigs at many local venues.
CATS ON LEADS (2022)
A three-piece local band are the third winners of the JJB award. They were commissioned to compose a track which was recorded at the Grand recording studio in August 2023. One of the band members has recently gone traveling for a year but on his return will be performing at the Jazz and Blues Festival.
This is a monthly event open to all ages of players to take the next step in performing. The club is delighted to encourage and support young players to step up and do their thing. The House band support budding musicians as they play their chosen song to an audience made up of jammers and appreciative enthusiasts. Second Tuesday of the month at Low Moor Club with audiences growing to around 50-70 people.
