Blog: The Joy of Jazz!

I do not really like my jazz in festivals. I do not think it’s the kind of setting where I can become one and immerse myself with the music. I prefer my live jazz music in more intimate and controlled spaces with limited movement, spaces where the music feels  and sounds personal – cause that’s what jazz music is for me, it’s personal.

I am however also not at all opposed to festival settings, I love festivals! Be it outdoors or indoors, themed or not, I love it. I love the idea of people from varying backgrounds and places, audiences of the music and makers of the music coming together and in camaraderie purely for the music. Festivals are a reminder and demonstration of just how powerful music is.

Recently we gathered as we do annually at the Sandton Convention Centre for the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz. This time around I found myself thinking a lot about what this festival means to artists and audiences alike.

Joy of Jazz is essential because it has found a way to cater to an audience like me – someone who values the personal intimacy that jazz inspires, yet also craves the excitement and energy that a festival brings. The unique thrill of moving from one stage to another, going up and down the escalators that have become synonymous with the festival, adds a sense of adventure. It’s a rhythm of its own, flowing through the event as you bump into both old and familiar faces, exchanging nods with strangers who feel like companions for the night. The magic of the festival lies in this journey, where every step and every turn leads you to a new musical encounter, yet you remain connected to a shared passion for jazz.

There’s a certain comfort in knowing that Joy of Jazz is a space where safety, both physical and emotional, is a priority. It’s a haven for those of us who find solace in music, a place where you’re free to enjoy without the distractions or pressures often found in larger, more commercial music events. The festival allows jazz to breathe, to thrive, and to be experienced as the deeply personal and communal art form that it is. It offers a sense of belonging, a rare feeling in today’s fast-paced world, where jazz is often seen as niche or forgotten in mainstream culture.

For the jazz industry, which exists on the margins of popular music, Joy of Jazz is indispensable. It gives the genre the recognition it deserves, not only by providing a platform for the musicians but also by drawing together an audience that loves and respects the craft. This festival has become a crucial cornerstone in maintaining and growing the jazz community, bridging the gap between veteran listeners and new audiences who are just discovering the magic of this music.

And the beauty is, this is only the beginning. Joy of Jazz continues to evolve, getting better every year, pushing the boundaries of what a jazz festival can be. It adapts, it innovates, and with every iteration, it strengthens the bond between artists and audiences. The future of jazz feels bright here, nurtured by this festival that is both rooted in tradition and open to innovation.

While my heart may always long for the intimacy of a small jazz club, Joy of Jazz has carved out its own special place in my soul. It’s a celebration not just of the music but of the community that gathers around it, of the shared joy that fills every note, and of the promise that jazz, in all its forms, will continue to thrive. This festival is a testament to the resilience and beauty of jazz, reminding us that the joy of jazz isn’t just in the music itself, but in the way it brings us together.