In the beginning...

Jazzgroove was formed in 1998 by a core of 7 musicians who felt frustrated by the lack performance opportunities in Sydney for emerging and established jazz/improvising musicians.

This core group of musicians began a residency at the Lansdowne Hotel in Chippendale, performing for a door deal, sometimes for little or no money. It was at the Lansdowne that Jazzgroove expanded its membership and weekly audience. The Lansdowne gigs also played a key role in the development of a number of new bands that have gone on to become some of the most important contemporary jazz ensembles in Australia.

In 2000, The Lansdowne changed management and the new owner was not a music fan, sending the association deep into the underground once again. After a false start at another venue, the Side-On Cafe in Annandale offered their stage to Jazzgroove. From 2000-2002 the Side-On Cafe hosted the weekly Jazzgroove Tuesday night double bill. When the Side-On closed it's doors, after a brief hiatus in 2002, Jazzgroove found a new home for its performances in 2003 at the Surry Hills Excelsior.

Since its inception, the Jazzgroove association has become one of Australia's most important contemporary music organisations. Presenting over 100 bands each year, including the weekly gigs at the Excelsior, our CD launches at the Basement and the JazzNow Festival with Sydney Opera House/SIMA, for which it is now an associate artistic director.  Jazzgroove has presented hundreds of original groups, including many of Australia's most talented and respected improvising musicians. It is unique in this country as an organisation run by practicing musicians.

Jazzgroove is an association that exists to support artists, develop audiences, and provide a solid platform for the 350 plus talented musicians it currently has as its members.

Jazzgroove Records, distributed through Creative Vibes, is another key element to the Jazzgroove Association. It is a record label that aims to profile new Australian jazz and groove, with 40 successful releases in 2008 and global distribution taking place through iTunes and IODA.