I’m in Leeds at the International Jazz Conference, hosted by the Leeds College of Music. I presented a paper with Tim Wall about how jazz music fans interact online. We think it’s interesting stuff.
But the best thing about this place is the sheer overwhelming talent of the students, who seem to burst into song at every opportunity. Like an episode of Fame or something.
There were a couple of dull papers this afternoon (about jazz! No, really!) and so I came to retreat across the road at a bar called The Wardrobe, where you can find live music pretty much every night of the week. One of the many student bands was setting up and soundchecking for a gig they have on tonight.
Ladies and Gentlemen… The Average Height Band:
I think I’m coming back to hear them do a proper set. They were pretty great. But more importantly, they seem indicative of all the other activity that’s going around this place all the time. They’re not exceptional. This is what it’s like every day of the week here – or at least, that’s what we’re led to believe.
I’m very impressed.
That’s what it is like in a lot of places near colleges ..until the students “grow up” and find that they can’t make “a living” by doing music…
because, upon graduation they have (in the States) a bill for $50,000 in student loans… if they weren’t lucky enough to be born into the ruling class…so it’s off to work for someone to pay that bill ..then the usual life cycle..marriage, family, mortgage….and music becomes something they did in college..
I liked what I heard and at their site too. They need some years of hard playing, performing for people, getting experience..working as musicians in other words. good luck.
Where is the paper you and tim presented?
Leeds has to be my spiritual home. My number plate would be right at home.