Applications Now Open for The Write Stuff

Applications are now open for the 2016 edition of the The Write Stuff, an initiative run by Jazzwise and Serious for budding music journalists.

This free programme allows new jazz and improv writers to work with professional journalists to improve their work and learn about the world of music press, blogs and more. All this plus the chance to see a load of gigs!

There will be sessions of feature and live review writing by Kevin Le Gendre, an insight into the history and development of the UK jazz and music press by Jazzwise editor Jon Newey and a workshop on jazz websites, blogs and social media run by Mike Flynn.

The sessions will run during the EFG London Jazz Festival between 11-20th November. Those interested in participating should submit a 300 word review of a recent live gig together with a CV and full contact details by Monday 10th October to learning@serious.org.uk. Applicants must be over 18 and available in London between 11th and 20th November.

For more information, see the Jazzwise website.

Gogo Penguin Sign to Blue Note Records

Gogo Penguin have this week announced that they have been signed to Blue Note Records, one of the world's most recognised music labels. The group will release their first album for the label in 2016.

Speaking to Jazzwise magazine, the band said

We are blown away by their passion for our music and we're looking forward to working with them to help get our sounds out to as many people as possible.

A live show is scheduled for June 12 at KOKO in London, where new material will be played ahead of the new album. For more information, see Gogo Penguin's website.

Jazz Services - Organisational Restructuring & the Closure of JazzUK

Jazz Services have issued a press release detailing their plans to restructure and cease production of their magazine, JazzUK.

2015 marks their 30th year and following the withdrawal of NPO status in the last Arts Council funding round, the organisation are to undertake a radical new business model to ensure the longevity of their work in the UK jazz scene. Though details are yet to be confirmed, Jazz Services will now focus more closely on artist and audience development and working in partnership with other organisations to contribute to the jazz scene at a national level.

One change which has been announced is the closure of JazzUK. Jazz Services have been working closely with Jazzwise to produce listings and have said that they intend to further this partnership in the future.

Full press release below.

Jazzwise seeks aspiring jazz writers

Applications are now being accepted for the 12th Write Stuff scheme run by Jazzwise and Serious. A series of workshops will take place at Southbank during the London Jazz Festival (November 14-23rd) which give jazz writers free mentorship with established journalists and a chance to attend a number of concerts during the festival.

From the Jazzwise website...

The Write Stuff will include sessions on feature writing and live reviews by Jazzwise writer and broadcaster Kevin Le Gendre; an insight into the history and development of the UK jazz and music press with Jazzwise editor and publisher Jon Newey; online journalism with Jazzwise’s deputy editor Mike Flynn and input from other writers and jazz industry figures.