London, 30 April 2009: After weeks of rumour, the future of Jazz Journal, one of the world's most popular and enduring jazz magazines, has been assured.

Following a 30-year stint at the helm and the sudden death of his wife Janet, who had been acting as managing editor for several years, Eddie Cook has passed the baton to former deputy editor Mark Gilbert while remaining on hand as editorial consultant. Eddie says:

“Mark worked alongside me for 19 years and I can think of no-one better placed to take the magazine forward as it approaches its 63rd year. Readers can feel confident that Mark and JJ's longstanding contributors will continue to respect the core philosophy of the magazine. However, there is no doubt that a fresh start brings new energy and I expect Jazz Journal to go from strength to strength."

The relaunch of Jazz Journal coincides with the incorporation of Jazz Review into Jazz Journal. Mark Gilbert, who also formerly edited Jazz Review, is delighted to be heading up the new venture:

“I've always thought of Jazz Journal as the home of jazz. In 1948 it was one of the first magazines to dedicate itself to reporting jazz and in the 1980s it gave me the most thorough introduction to the music I could have wished for--its worldwide network of readers and contributors is second to none in scope and experience. I'm also pleased to welcome aboard the readers of Jazz Review, which itself has set a high standard in jazz journalism since 1999.

“The amalgamation creates a potent new force on the UK jazz scene, bringing together over 70 years of jazz expertise, the best jazz writers and one of the largest communities of jazz enthusiasts in the world. Please join us in celebrating the good news for jazz publishing."

The May issue of Jazz Journal is published this week by JJ Publishing Ltd.