Amplifying new talent: How PPL Giving supports Jazz re:freshed’s mission to elevate underrepresented performers
The UK’s jazz scene continues to thrive, with an exciting wave of fresh, diverse voices redefining the genre. But for many up-and-coming musicians, breaking into the industry remains a challenge.
Jazz re:freshed, a pioneering initiative founded in 2003, is helping to change that. Over the past 20 years it has been a driving force in the UK jazz scene, providing vital opportunities for underrepresented musicians to showcase their talent and build their careers.
With a focus on elevating female band leaders and nurturing Black British and young artists, Jazz re:freshed has helped create a thriving and diverse community of musicians whose work is reshaping the sound of UK jazz.
Championing diversity in jazz
Over the years, Jazz re:freshed – led by co-founders Justin McKenzie and Adam Moses, along with Co-Chief Executive Yvette Griffith OBE – has built a reputation for supporting female band leaders and culturally diverse composers, providing a platform for them to showcase their music and reach new audiences.
The organisation has grown into a well-respected and influential part of the UK music landscape, and has been instrumental in spotlighting emerging talent and providing them with opportunities to perform, record and connect with audiences, both at home and internationally.
Image: @philmedwardsphotography
Artists such as Nubya Garcia, Cassie Kinoshi, Rosie Turton, Sarah Tandy, Amy Gadiaga and Sophia Grant have all benefited from opportunities at Jazz re:freshed’s weekly live residency or its annual JAZZ RE:FEST festival, using these platforms as stepping stones to release their music and grow their careers. The initiative’s focus on empowering female composers has played a pivotal role in bringing a new wave of talent to the forefront of the jazz world.
PPL Giving has been proud to support Jazz re:freshed’s work in recent years, helping to strengthen the organisation’s ability to provide these crucial platforms and ensure that its mission of elevating underrepresented talent can continue to flourish.
Supporting international opportunities for UK jazz artists
Jazz re:freshed’s impact extends beyond its weekly live residency, JAZZ RE:FEST and award winning record label. In 2017, the organisation expanded its mission globally and the launch of its Outernational initiative, designed to bring UK jazz talent to international stages. Their showcase at SXSW in Austin, Texas, and New York shows played a pivotal role in creating international opportunities for UK jazz artists, contributing to the explosion of UK jazz here at home in the UK and around the world.
PPL’s support of the Outernational stage at SXSW in 2019, and backing through PRS Foundation’s Talent Development Network (supported by PPL), has helped further elevate emerging UK talent to global audiences. By creating a platform for artists like Moses Boyd and Ezra Collective, Jazz re:freshed has been instrumental in promoting a new generation of musicians whose work now resonates across borders.
Their global showcases continue to run every year, with UK artists performing in major global cities including Johannesburg, Capetown, New Orleans, New York, Los Angeles, Sydney, Melbourne, Brussels, South Korea, Senegal and Brazil.
JAZZ RE:FEST 2024 on London’s Southbank (image: @philmedwardsphotography)
Jazz re:freshed’s Yvette Griffith OBE, emphasises the importance of partnerships in sustaining this work: “We are ever grateful to PPL for their invaluable support of our weekly residency, which has been running since 2003. The PPL team has helped educate so many of our associated artists on how to access royalties that may be due to them.
“PPL’s contribution has strengthened the foundations of our weekly event and enabled us to continue shining a spotlight on the breadth of artistic and cultural expression within the unending pipeline of emerging and midscale UK Jazz talent.”
Looking ahead
As Jazz re:freshed continues to grow, its focus remains on supporting underrepresented artists and championing diversity within the jazz scene. PPL Giving’s ongoing support means we will continue to play a role in helping the organisation thrive and create opportunities for the next generation of jazz musicians.
Poppy Daniels at JAZZ RE:FEST 2024 (@philmedwardsphotography)
For jazz lovers looking to experience this talent first hand, Jazz re:freshed’s weekly live residency takes place every Thursday at Ninety One Living Room in London. It’s the perfect opportunity to see the rising stars of UK jazz in action and support a vital part of the music scene. Tickets for the next run of shows are available now.
For more information on how PPL Giving supports Jazz re:freshed and other organisations dedicated to nurturing emerging talent, visit our PPL Giving page.
