Jazz as we know it grew up in places like New Orleans, where guitar blues had evolved into a band with each member adding his own style to the mix. Trumpet, sax, trombone, banjo, bass piano and drums was the typical line up. During the 40's, 50's and 60's it travelled back to Europe and was made popular by such bands as Kenny Ball, Terry Lightfoot, Acker Bilk, Chris Barber, The Dutch Swing College etc. The style was lively and became part of the music scene.

Previous to this the American big bands had developed their own version of jazz adding more swing and some lively vocals which created a new opening for vocalists and musicians.(Count Basie, Nelson Riddle, Glen Miller) As band members experimented with their solos 'freeform' came on to the scene. Very much for the purists it allowed the musicians to expand the normal limitiations into sounds that were literally 'Off the wall.' Further development with a calmer view nutured the advent of 'cooler' modern jazz with the use of vibraphones, flutes and other softer instruments. (MJQ, Dave Brubeck are just two examples). 

More modern musicians used their electric guitars and keyboards to produce a modern 'funkier' sound and thus Jazz Funk was born.(Chicago, Blood Sweat And Tears, Brecker Brothers) Over the years songs and tunes written in the 1920's 30's and 40's have been recorded by a vast number of artistes who have added their own style and interpretation. 

The 'greats' as they are known include Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Sammy Davis Jnr. Dean Martin, Ella Fitzgerald, Billy Holliday, Sarah Vaughan, Nina Simone to name a few.

They in turn have inspired the new wave of musicians; Diana Krall, Jamie Cullum, Michael Buble and others to carry on the tradition. 

The listener can embrace some or all of these styles and acquire a wealth of pleasure. At SJI'S we play everything and hopefully have something for everyone to enjoy.

One of the pleasures of owning SJI'S is that I get to sing. My re-kindled interest in jazz was a result of making two CD's while in Macedonia with some very talented musicians. The albums; 'Intro' and 'Seccundo' feature lyrics I wrote together with some very different arrangements of classic songs. If you feel the need you can purchase these at SJI'S.