The Club began life in the early 1970s as The Chilterns Jazz Appreciation Society. Initially it was simply a record recital group with occasional jazz film shows (cine film – this was just before the video age!) Meetings were held in the back room of Marlow’s Clayton Arms. Live events began tentatively in 1975, but the tiny room proved too small for the growing interest and the first of many moves was made. Over the years no less than eleven different venues have been used, and a full listing is on another page of this web-site. We have been fortunate in being able to meet and present some of the greatest names in jazz, many, sadly, no longer with us. Visits from Sonny Stitt, Wild Bill Davison, Al Haig, “Sweets” Edison, Jimmy Witherspoon and Adelaide Hall will never be forgotten, and many star jazzmen became personal friends.
After six memorable years at TJ O’Reilly’s, just outside Marlow, another change of home was necessitated in January 2007 when plans were passed to replace the popular function room with a Day Nursery. We moved without any delay to the excellent British Legion Hall alongside Marlow Train Station, and are very happy there. It is without doubt our best ever venue – large and very comfortable, reasonable car parking, and with drinks, including good real ale, at very fair prices.
Most of our favourites have now played for us at the Legion along with the resident and very dependable Frank Toms Trio. Complete bands have included Gary Potter’s Hot Club, Big Band Metheny and Steve Taylor’s Buddy Rich Tribute Band. Gigs are usually on Tuesdays at 8.30pm, with two arranged most months. Full details of forthcoming events can be found by clicking on ‘Forthcoming Gigs’ below. The BBO (Berks Bucks & Oxon) Big Band have also moved to the Legion and hold their Charity Concerts on the last Thursday of most months. If you have not yet visited us, please come along: you will be made very welcome.