Jazz Preview: End of jazz nights sounds yet another low note

The demise of Leeds Jazz, gig cancellations, drooping attendances – and now the end of the weekly sessions at one of the county's quirkiest venues, the Puzzle Hall Inn, at Sowerby Bridge.

Last Tuesday's performance by Chris Flaherty was the last in a series which, apart from a gap of six weeks in 2008, ran for more than 16 years.

"Attendances have been falling for some time now, so, due to the resulting lack of business, the licensee has decided that he can no longer financially support the series," said spokesman Geoff Amos.

"It's hard to put a finger on one reason because there are so many strands to the problem. Is it the economic situation, the weather or part of a general malaise?

"We encouraged all sorts of styles and we think the Puzzle has played a very important role in jazz in the region.

"So many memories, so much great music – it's sad that it has come to an end."

To anybody looking for green shoots in this particular depression, Jazz Yorkshire's all-day jamboree, at Ripon Grammar School, on Sunday, is an obvious candidate.

The keynote is youth, and six school bands – Harrogate Youth Jazz Orchestra, St Aidan's Jazz Ensemble, from Harrogate, Thirsk School Jazz Band, Ripon Grammar School, Ryedale School Jazz Band and the WGSF Swing Foundation – will compete.