The critics may state that jazz is dying off. They believe there isn’t an audience for the music any more. With indie bands and pop queens taking the charts by storm we’re led to believe that jazz is no longer accessible outside London and New York.

A city in the north of England is a leading example that jazz is ‘Live & Kicking.’ Leeds may be more famous for weekday evening soap Emmerdale and former spice girl Mel B, so it may come as a surprise that there is a thriving scene with live jazz accessible every night of the week.

Leeds has recently been voted the “UK’s Favourite City,” with a nightlife and shopping environment fit for any footballer’s wife; it seems the quality of life in Leeds is on the up. 46% of the population is aged 18 - 25, which is can be explained by there being two universities, a music college and a sports college all situated in the city centre. A vast number of young people abound open to new sounds, cultures and ideas.

Leeds College of Music has a great impact on the success of the flourishing jazz scene. With local musicians eager to attend and participate in gigs and events in both the city and the surrounding areas, it is no wonder that live jazz has such a big audience.

Different venues provide for the various jazz styles. The Venue, next to the music college and BBC building, hosts numerous big jazz names such as, Snake Davis, Omar Puente, Dominic Miller and Marcos Valle. Designed as a modern concert hall this is a sophisticated environment providing exciting entertainment. This would be a first choice for people wanting to steer clear of smokey bars with limited seating!

Santiago’s and The Wardrobe are both hip and happening bars. Aimed at the younger generation, the chic interiors and impressive cocktails are extremely appealing. Both host open mic nights allowing eager musicians the opportunity to practice performing in front of a real audience. Bigger acts, such as Soweto Kinch and Abram Wilson are featured throughout the week, which may require pre-booked tickets or a small entrance fee. I often attend gigs at both venues and have known them to be electrifying. These are the two venues to view fresh and unique acts, whether they are from the local scene or international stars.

The Hi-Fi Club is situated right in the heart of the nightlife of West Yorkshire. Versatile with the different nights it provides, music can range from Motown soul to hip hop to Sunday afternoon American Song Book classics. The interior is chic, with a small entrance leading downstairs to the club, the brown leather sofas situated around the stage provides a typical jazz club atmosphere. Having Sunday lunch at the Hi-Fi is an excuse to hear a live jazz band every week (and eat a fine roast dinner too). Each Sunday brings a new set up, ranging from singers to horn-fronted quartets or a simple trio. What is so special about The Hi-Fi Club is that the relaxed environment allows both ‘jazzers’ and diners to enjoy the music without it being too overpowering. A definite personal favourite.

Branching out beyond the city centre of Leeds and into wider areas of West Yorkshire, live jazz can still be heard. Harrogate, a rather classy town supplies music at least four times a week in a sophisticated setting, frequently providing sounds from the famous and familiar band, ‘The Watermelon Men.’ Wakefield Jazz is also a popular venue, hosting well known names such as Jamie Cullum and Alec Dankworth every Thursday.

After guiding you through the jazz hotspots that West Yorkshire has to offer, it is clear that this popular style isn’t dying out, it’s alive and kicking and available any day of the week, whatever your requirements.

• The Hi-Fi Club
• Santiago’s (0113 244 4472)
• Wakefield Jazz Club
• The Wardrobe
• The Venue