Peter Slavid broadcasts The European Jazz Hour on a number of internet and local radio stations and also writes for London Jazz News. Inspired initially by the American Avant-Garde of Ornette Coleman, Archie Shepp and the Art Ensemble of Chicago, Peter soon discovered the talented British, European and South African musicians who were taking jazz in different directions – bands like Loose Tubes, Brotherhood of Breath and the ICP.
Peter has been listening to modern jazz for over 50 years. Inspired initially by the American Avant-Garde of Ornette Coleman, Archie Shepp and the Art Ensemble of Chicago, Peter soon discovered the talented British, European and South African musicians who were taking jazz in different directions – bands like Loose Tubes, Brotherhood of Breath and the ICP.
Peter’s show focuses on jazz from the UK and Europe and in particular on the exciting new generation of young bands making waves today and often converting listeners from the rock and urban music scenes into jazz fans.
Can you tell us more about your professional background?
I have no professional (ie paid) background in jazz, but I have been a fan for almost 60 years. I became involved as the volunteer Chair of the F-IRE Collective around 2003. I helped with organisation, funding and marketing. This group of talented young musicians in London won all sorts of awards and we ran several festivals and set up a record label with over 100 albums.
What’s your main field of work today?
For several years now I have been delivering a weekly radio show of European jazz, and writing occasional reviews for London Jazz News. I am also on the Board of the Jazz Promotion Network.
How do you see the state of jazz in your country? In which direction is it going?
There is no shortage of talent, but a shortage of money. At the moment jazz is going through one of its periodic spells of popularity driven by the multicultural sounds coming mainly from London. As a result of Brexit, touring opportunities for British musicians have been radically reduced, and British audiences have been starved of European musicians. Government funding for jazz is intermittent and random Make three names of musicians that innovated jazz music in your country Django Bates Joe Harriot Evan Parker.
What’s the name of a new talent you are particularly fond of?
Charlotte Keefe
What’s your favorite genre within jazz? Why?
I mainly listen to the avant-garde, tending towards free jazz. Its a music that makes me concentrate and think – as much intellectual as it is emotional. Do you think that schools can teach improvisation? Yes, but they don’t teach how to survive as a musician Name a record that every jazz lover should own. Ornette Coleman – The Shape of Jazz to Come.
What are your future projects?
Helping the UK charity – The Jazz Promotion Network – to achieve national stature and funding.
