Since 1959 however, the Bull's Head has gained a global reputation for modern Jazz, boasting regular performances from internationally acclaimed artists including Stan Tracey, George Coleman, Humphrey Lyttelton, Bud Shank and Art Theman. Throughout this time Musicians from all over the world could be heard playing every night of the week in the Jazz Room. The venue also has an enviable reputation for showcasing new and emerging talent and support of local music education programmes.
But more recently, the acclaimed live music program was threatened with closure when the local council issued a noise abatement order following a complaint by a nearby tenant. A huge media campaign to avert closure ensued, led by musicians, politicians and celebrity local residents including Humphrey Lyttelton, Lord Colwyn, Kenneth Clarke MP and Anita Harris with husband Mike Margolis. The campaign attracted major national news coverage and ultimately resulted in the reinstatement of the venue's music license.
When the noise abatement order was issued Landlord of 25 years Dan Fleming contacted Young & Co, brewers of Wandsworh and musical instrument maker Yamaha, who are also a world leader in professional sound systems. Yamaha and Young & Co then set about arranging for the Music Room to be soundproofed, air-conditioned and refurbished. Young & Co invested in excess of £100,000 on the overall refurbishment scheme to include the sound-proofing and air conditioning systems. A further £100,000 was invested personally by Dan Fleming with additional contributions coming from the Arts council and St Paul's, a nearby local school.
The official opening party was held recently and the new 'Yamaha Music Room' will continue to host live music every night and on Sunday lunchtimes. Yamaha and Dan hosted a great day packed with great Jazz Music, food and Young's Beer. Established artists, campaigners and up- and coming young talent took to the stage including Digby Fairweather, Anita Harris and the St Paul's School Jazz Group.
Yamaha's Mike Ketley comments: "We are delighted to have been able to partner the Bulls Head on the new Yamaha Jazz room, given the history of the venue and the unique place it occupies in International Jazz history it's a great association for Yamaha. We hope to be able to devise a program of annual events to showcase new talent and further build Yamaha's excellent reputation amongst jazz players and music lovers generally."
(Lee Baldock)
