History of Swansea Jazzland
Walter Stuckey is a devoted jazz fan and a member at Swansea Jazzland who never misses a gig. He has been a follower of the weekly jazz scene in Swansea for 7 decades.

It was back in the late 50’s when I would be going along every week to the Glanmor Club. Maurice Levenson, who was better known as Schmoo to everyone was one of the driving forces getting the club going along with Swansea musicians, Derek Morgan, Russ Jones and John Ham.

“I remember watching John Ham playing trumpet in his RAF uniform when home on leave! The local musicians would be the backbone of the club and would be joined by guest musicians. One regular throughout the 60’s and for many years to come was saxophonist Danny Moss with his wife, vocalist, Jeannie Lamb. Danny’s son, Danny Moss junior is a fine double bass player now resident in Australia, and on visits to the UK plays at Swansea Jazzland.

The Glanmor Club even hosted Amen Corner for their debut gig, but sadly ran into financial trouble in the late 60’s and the club had to close.

The jazz club continued though with a move to the Liberal Club and has been the home of weekly jazz sessions in Swansea for around 45 years. Throughout the 70’s and 80’s pianist Russ Jones and drummer Derek Morgan provided the bedrock of the club as it continued to host international jazz artists such as Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Tal Farlow and Benny Carter amongst many others.

The club became Swansea Jazzland in the 1990’s and the Liberal Club became the St James Club around about the same time. Pianist Dave Cottle began arranging the programme of events as he does today. The quality of weekly jazz is as high as it has ever been in Swansea.

It is great to see that jazz music is still so popular and wonderful that such large audiences come along to the St James Club every Wednesday night”.

Walter Stuckey.

BEYOND THE CONCERTS!

JAM SESSIONS & MASTERCLASSES

Swansea Jazzland hold monthly open jam-sessions that are free to attend, and are open to all ages and abilities.

The sessions allow players to learn the art of jazz, and perform to an encouraging and knowledgable audience.

The Swansea Jazzland house trio provide professional backing, and will guide any participants through their pieces, and all done with a friendly and fun attitude.

Jazzland also hold regular Masterclasses delivered by some of the finest jazz professionals in the World. Please check the club’s website at www.swanseajazzland.co.uk to find out about the next jam sessions and masterclasses.

Previous Masterclasses have been presented by the following artists:

Mark Nightingale – Trombone

Claire Martin – Vocals

Laurence Cottle & Ian Thomas – Bass and drums

Alan Barnes – Saxophone

Mike Clarke – Drums

Damon Brown – Trumpet

Vincent Herring – Saxophone

Bruce Adams – Trumpet

Erin Dickens – Vocals