Cambridge Modern Jazz is one of the longest-established and most successful jazz promoting organisations in the UK.

It was founded in 1972 by Joan Morrell, who ran it until her death in 2011. Given the ups and downs of running such an organisation, this required great dedication and tenacity. Over the years it has operated in several venues around the city; these have ranged from pub rooms to restaurants, night clubs and even the idyllic surroundings of Kettle’s Yard, one of the country’s leading modern art galleries. We are currently hosting events at Hidden Rooms Events Venue and Cocktail Bar, 7b Jesus Lane, Cambridge CB5 8BA

Cambridge Modern Jazz is run by an enthusiastic team of volunteers, some of whom have been associated with the organisation since its early years. Many of the musicians and organisers associated with CMJ have gone on to establish national profiles, and it has a high reputation in the jazz community. ECM artist Iain Ballamy, remembers the early enthusiasm to programme new, experimental, imaginative and sometimes obscure acts. CMJ’s guiding principle was, and remains, to champion, respect and support the music rather than ticket sales.

As well as the ‘home’ venue, Cambridge Modern Jazz also works with other music/ arts organisations in the Cambridge area to present jazz events. In recent years CMJ has worked closely with Cambridge Jazz Festival, which takes place every November.

Cambridge Modern Jazz now operates at Hidden Rooms year-round, usually monthly on Thursdays, with a break every summer from August until the end of September. CMJ tries to present a varied programme of different styles of jazz, featuring both established talent and up-and-coming musicians, high quality local bands as well as nationally and internationally recognised musicians.

Truly the home of jazz in Cambridge.