Jazz musicians in Bristol are bringing back the magic of the Old Duke pub with a special album, Jazz At The Duke Volume II, to support the Bristol Jazz Festival. This album is a follow-up to the original LP recorded at the same venue in 1979. The new recording features some of the original musicians who played on the first album, including Andy Leggett, who performed on both live tracks. The idea for the album came from record producer and jazz musician Joe Trudgeon, who found a copy of the original album in a charity shop and recognized the names of several musicians he plays with. He wanted to ensure that the original musicians' legacy continues, as many of them are no longer with us. Co-producer and fellow musician Paul Archibald emphasizes the significance of the Old Duke as an early jazz live music venue, one of the oldest in Britain, having hosted jazz since the 1960s. He believes that this album will not only celebrate the venue's rich history but also inspire future generations of musicians. The album is a testament to the enduring nature of jazz and the importance of preserving musical heritage. The Bristol Jazz Festival, which was postponed in 2025 due to funding issues, will benefit from the proceeds of this album. The musicians hope that this album will demonstrate the vitality and longevity of jazz, and they invite listeners to appreciate the music that has been played at the Old Duke for decades.
