Music is for everyone, and is a special part of life for many young people as they explore the world around them.

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Experiencing quality music, particularly ‘live’ at local venues, with friends and family inspires our young musicians. Young people already practicing an instrument will find their commitment energized. Children yet to get the bug will ask their parents if they can play an instrument. Music is inspiring, therapeutic and fun.

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The Ribble Valley Jazz and Blues Club remain absolutely committed to providing as much access, support and encouragement to our local children and young people, as possible.

 

If anyone needs convincing of the power of providing musical experiences to young people Just look at recent (2025) Mercury Prize winners Ezra Collective and Emma-Jean Thackray. All started off through music in schools and youth services providing access to instruments and teaching.

 

Jackson Jazz and Blues Award (JJB)

The JJB is awarded by Ribble Valley Jazz and Blues Club to support the development of the musical career of an emerging band or solo artist, musician, educator or composer. The award is named after Geoff Jackson, the founder member of the club who has relentlessly championed younger musicians and youth access to live Jazz and Blues.

 

Previous JJB winners:

 

NEUTRINO (2021)

A five-piece local band received the first award mid pandemic and were commissioned to compose a track “Jazz Warden”. They performed at the Grand during the online 2021 Festival and with financial and mentoring support have gone on to record their awesome debut album “Our Pet Kracken”.

Click here to stream and purchase Jazz Warden with Reprise written and arranged by Neutrino as part of the Jackson Jazz and Blues Award 2021.

 

MAISIE RILEY QUARTET (2022)

Maisie is the second winner of the JJB award. Maisie lives in Clitheroe and plays saxophone and is now studying at Trinity Laban, London. She formed the quartet and was commissioned to record a number of tracks at The Grand's recording studio.

 

Maisy has performed numerous gigs at many local venues.

 

Click here to stream and purchase Four Standards recorded by the Maisie Riley Quartet as part of the Jackson Jazz and Blues Award 2022.

Click here to watch Maisie Riley Quartet in the Grand Studio recording "If I were a Bell"

 

CATS ON LEADS (2023)

A three-piece local band are the third winners of the JJB award. They were commissioned to compose a track which was recorded at the Grand recording studio in August 2023. One of the band members has recently gone traveling for a year but on his return will be performing at the Jazz and Blues Festival.

Click here to stream and purchase work volume 1 imagined, created and recorded by cats on leads as part of the Jackson Jazz and Blues Award 2023.

Click here to watch cats on leads perform Tim in their Bunker Session.

 

JACK YERKESS (2024)

An accomplished trombonist and arranger, Jack worked with his quartet to record an album “The Shadow of Your Smile”. With Marcus Schofield on keys, Jonathan Berry on Bass and Tom Royle on Drums the album showcases 5 classic tracks. Jack performs with many Lancashire Big Bands, including his own, the Jack Yerkess Big Band. Click here (https://jjbaward.bandcamp.com/album/the-shadow-of-your-smile) to stream and purchase his album, created and recorded at the Grand Clitheroe as part of the Jackson Jazz and Blues Award 2024

 

KASSIDY HUGHES (2025)

Singer/songwriter Kassidy Hughes studies in Liverpool, she has just released her song “We never agreed to stay close”. Her recording can be found on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/reel/Daf1xBVNtlY/?igsh=d2p3ZTk4cWlxbWU3 recorded at the Grand Studio as part of the Jackson Jazz and Blues Award 2025.

 

 

 

 

(2025) Kirsty

 

 

 

And a special thanks to Sophie Kenyon for the JJB Awards logo design.