Petition launched to save BBC Radio Scotland’s “Jazz Nights” from being axed.

Thursday, January 12, 2023

Saxophonist and educator Tommy Smith has launched a petition requesting BBC Scotland to reconsider their decision to axe the influential Jazz Nights radio programme.

From;
https://www.change.org/p/please-save-bbc-radio-scotland-s-jazz-nights-from-being-axed

Tommy Smith writes;

Tommy Smith started this petition

Please save BBC Radio Scotland’s “JAZZ NIGHTS” from being AXED

This is the photo of Charlie Parker I had on the wall of the bedroom I shared with my two brothers in Wester Hailes when I was learning the tenor saxophone aged 12; Parker was a daily inspiration.

Charlie ‘Bird’ Parker recorded “Now is the Time” in 1945 and it has a recurring musical figure for those who know it. Martin Luther King Jr. used the exact phrase in 1963 in his ‘I Have a Dream’ speech, breaking the rule of three and stating “Now is the Time” four times.

But, as they say, things always happen in threes, so for all the BBC licence-paying JAZZ listeners in communities around Scotland - I regretfully announce that a BIRDY has tweeted in my ear that your national radio station has abandoned your art form, muting a triumphant genre and turning down the dial on our future JAZZ stars and fallen heroes like Parker. As a result, three shows, JAZZ NIGHTS (which currently airs weekly for a couple of hours, hidden away in a corner, late on Sundays) and CLASSIC UNWRAPPED, will be slashed, and possibly PIPELINE too.

Eastwards, across the turbulent North Sea, in Norway, their swinging station, at NRK, drives every style of JAZZ, 24 hours daily; I even heard the SNJO and my own albums played there.

I say “Now is the Time” to expand JAZZ on BBC Radio Scotland, not cut its head off and make invisible a music which is flourishing in Scotland; a music which has roots in the islands off our West coast, even though that disturbing story is for another time.

After watching the first impressive BBC series of Marie Antoinette, I was inspired to read about the life of the last Queen of France, and that night I dreamed of sharp guillotines falling to chop off the heads of all the jazz musicians in Scotland, including me. So why has the editorial Head for BBC Radio Scotland made the decision to axe JAZZ NIGHTS and extinguish its inspirational flame? Why now, when we have so many remarkable young JAZZ artists hailing from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland; emerging musicians who require an outlet for their music. The eradication of JAZZ NIGHTS makes no sense unless you hate JAZZ and its turbulent history. Strange timing, especially after young Scottish stars like Fergus McCreadie, Ewan Hastie, and Georgia Cécile won the best and most coveted UK JAZZ prizes a few months ago. It certainly can’t be an economic choice, as the budget for JAZZ NIGHTS is microscopic compared to other genres.

There’s an abundance of football on BBC Radio Scotland every day; although it doesn’t YET inspire greatness within Scottish football, we all live in hope. Alan Jaffe said: New Orleans is the only place I know of where you ask a little kid what they want to be, and instead of saying, “I want to be a policeman,” or “I want to be a fireman,” they say, “I want to be a musician”.

JAZZ NIGHTS is not just for listeners to hear recordings, educational workouts, interviews, and special foreign guests; it’s for Scottish artists to visit the prestigious BBC studio and perform live and chat with the presenter, so their characters can shine through the fog and assist in career-building.

I don’t want to advise my students to move to London to get their feet on the first step of the career ladder; we need a robust infrastructure here in Scotland; festivals, clubs, agents, recording, education, and BBC RADIO SCOTLAND.

In summary,  I am very concerned that Jazz Nights is being cut, and I urge BBC Radio Scotland to keep this invaluable programme in place and to continue shining a light on Scotland’s jazz scene as it is currently the envy of many countries around the world.

Please save BBC Radio Scotland’s “JAZZ NIGHTS” from being axed by signing the petition or by complaining directly to the BBC - http://www.bbc.co.uk/complaints.

Many thanks,

Tommy Smith

Saxophonist
Head of Jazz Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
Artistic Director Scottish National Jazz Orchestra

QUOTES FROM SUPPORTERS:

“Axing these programmes is to perform a heartbreaking disservice to the irreplaceable role they have played in the lives of musicians and music lovers across the country and all parts of society.”
— Nicola Benedetti

“We must fight to save this and the other shows. The BBC is renowned the world over for its support for culture and the arts. Why is BBC Scotland abandoning this vital activity and damaging its own reputation?”
Sir James MacMillan

“The thrust of your new policy is like a self-inflicted BBC Radio Scotland suicide pact to push you further into the tailspin of a death spiral. We musicians have to band together to save you from yourselves.”
John Wallace OBE

“I feel it’s imperative that BBC Radio Scotland supports jazz, other forms of music, and performing artists based in Scotland. Scotland has so much young talent that needs to be heard.”
— Dr Martin Taylor MBE

“BBC Radio Scotland’s support of jazz in this country is an essential part of the infrastructure in developing as a creative and performing artist living in Scotland. The presence of a Scottish-based Jazz Radio outlet expands our identity as a country worldwide and is integral in developing our home-grown artists.”
— Laura Macdonald, Saxophonist

“Radio Scotland seems to be in full retreat from Scottish culture. Where is the poetry and literature? Now they are threatening to cut jazz, classical and piping programmes. We have a thriving arts and music scene in Scotland - why not on our national radio?”
— Kathleen Jamie, MAKAR of Scotland

“Jazz Nights on BBC Radio Scotland has been significant in allowing opportunities for many emerging young jazz musicians to broadcast and promote their own music. It just doesn’t sit right to have been awarded the BBC Young Jazz Musician and then to have the volume turned off here at Scotland at the mains before there is even a chance to play! C’mon BBC give us a chance!”
— Ewan Hastie, BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year 2022

“I say “Now is the Time” to expand Jazz, Classical, and Folk, on BBC Radio Scotland, not cut its head off and make invisible a music which is flourishing in Scotland and internationally.”
— Tommy Smith

“This decision will have a devastating impact on Scottish music. Without JAZZNIGHTS, new and established artists will struggle to find a reputable outlet to broadcast their art and reach audiences. I hope our First Minister Nicola Sturgeon takes action to save these vital programmes!”
Georgia Cécile - Jazz FM Award 2022

“I, and many of my contemporaries, have spent decades working with the BBC to find a forward-thinking voice for Scotland’s diverse cultural output. It’s a real shame to see this apparent back step. I hope that considered and respectful discussion might bring about an alternative resolution to the proposed situation.”
Phil Cunningham

“We at Scottish Opera stand in solidarity with those across the musical community, who are petitioning to reverse this decision. We urge BBC Scotland not to turn their backs on Scottish art forms and audiences, particularly when things are almost back to normal after the pandemic.”
Scottish Opera, General Director Alex Reedijk

“Cutting the support at home and removing opportunities for young and established musicians to showcase their music is a very regrettable mistake at a time where we should be championing Scottish culture and music more than ever.”
Fergus McCreadie – winner of SAY Award 2022, Jazz FM Award 2022