When it comes to female representation in the music industry, there is still a lot of work to be done to amplify voices and address the gender imbalance. Luckily, Women In Jazz is here to bring the stories of women to the forefront.

Boasting over 10,000 members, the UK-based creative platform nurtures the music and stories of women via radio, live events, mentoring and research. They reveal stark statistics that speak to the misrepresentation of women and use action to spread the perspectives of their community. As a result, their achievements read like a to-do list of greatness. They’ve produced radio shows for Sky TV, Jazz FM and British Airways. Meanwhile, they’ve run panel discussions at Love Supreme Festival and programmed live events at the renowned Jazz venue Ronnie Scott’s.

This year is a special one for Women In Jazz. They just launched ‘The Year of Women In Jazz’ in January, a 12-month programme that brings together new music, live performances, talks and mentorship. This will serve to highlight the incredible talent within the community. As well as the roles and challenges for women in the UK Jazz scene. Supported by the likes of Love Supreme Festival, Soho House, London Jazz Festival and Soho Radio, the programme promises to be a transformational one.

We asked a few members of the collective – Co-Founder Louise Paley and residents Nectar Woode and Lev – to share the very best music and shows that Women In Jazz has to offer.

Jazz FM – Voices With Women In Jazz

“This is one of our favourite shows we have ever recorded, Jazz FM Voices: The Under-sung Women in Jazz. It was so inspiring to get to dive into the stories of all these incredible women who helped shape Jazz. Like Lil Harding. She wasn’t just a talented pianist, she also played a huge role in shaping Louis Armstrong’s music and career. Then there’s Clora Bryant. A female trumpet player in a world dominated by men. And a key part of the International Sweethearts of Rhythm.” – Louise Paley

Women In Jazz Featuring Emma Thackray (24/07/18)

“This was one of our first-ever shows on Soho Radio, featuring the amazing Emma-Jean Thackeray, a huge inspiration to us. We take listeners on a musical journey. Exploring genres like Soul and Funk with The Jones Girls, the smooth Jazz of Elaine Elias and the vibrant Brazilian Jazz, Samba, and Latin Jazz of Tania Maria. Along the way, Emma shares insights into her creative process, from producing and composing to the intricacies of recording. It’s an in-depth look at the artistry behind her unique sound and how she brings her music to life.” – LP

Soho Radio – Women In Jazz feat. U Gd, Girl? (30/03/24) 

“The 2024 International Women’s Day special with female-empowerment and mental health platform U Gd, Girl?. These are two amazing women who are committed to bringing a community of female and non-binary people together. They host activities, workshops, gigs and more! They’re all about bringing mental health and female empowerment to the fore. We spoke about all things femme empowerment and how to gain more confidence as creatives. In the show we also played some of the best new music from female talent including Amy Gadiaga, Bel Cobain, Ego Ella May and Jasmine Myra.” – Nectar Woode

Women In Jazz with Juanita Euka (28/04/22)

“Juanita is a joy to interview and her vibrant personality shines through in her music. As a third-culture kid, she blends her Cuban roots, Afro rhythms and Jazz influences into a sound that’s both dynamic and soulful. In our conversation, she shares her love for London and how the city has shaped her artistry, creating a fusion that’s rich in culture and creativity.” – Lev

Women In Jazz with Navasha Daya (27/05/21)

“This show was one of my favourites as I was a huge Fertile Ground fan, so getting to speak to the woman behind the group was magic. She spoke so eloquently about her musical and spiritual upbringing, focusing on the importance of music with message. Musically, this goes from Jazz greats like Ella Fitzgerald and Soul-inflected Jazz from the early 2000s to modern day innovative artists like Bryony Jarman-Pinto.” – Lev

Follow Women In Jazz on Mixcloud.