Meet Neil Duggan

I currently live in:

A small village in the Lincolnshire Wolds, north of Lincoln, UK

I joined All About Jazz in:

2023

Why did you decide to contribute to All About Jazz?

I have always used album reviews as a guide to where to spend my hard-earned cash. As All About Jazz was an essential resource for finding new albums and I had previously contributed to a variety of magazines, I thought I would see if my writing would fit here. Also, it is worth bearing in mind that outside of the U.S. jazz doesn't have any appeal to the main media and anything we can do to positively spread the word is worthwhile.

How do you contribute to All About Jazz?

I review as many new jazz releases as time allows.

What is your musical background?

I've loved music since childhood; my mother even bought records before we could afford a record player so we didn't miss out. My playing background is one of failure; I have tried and failed to learn a variety of instruments. I have the theory but not the gift and I am in awe of those that do. I have made up for this by listening and watching for a long time, being fortunate to visit most European countries and 30 U.S. states and soaking up a lot of jazz along the way.

What was the first record you bought that you would still listen to today?

Well I wish I could impress by saying it was an all-time jazz classic but the truth is... the first single I ever bought was Horse With No Name by America and Mud Slide Slim and the Blue Horizon by James Taylor was the first album.

Aside from jazz, what styles of music do you enjoy?

British and Irish folk, alt. rock, world music, soundtrack, classical.

What are you listening to right now?

Right now? There's an old Fred Hersch, Out Late by Eric Reed, In.Sight by Fabia Mantwill Orchestra, Psalter by Tim Boniface and Solo: Miniatures & Tales by Shai Maestro.

What inspired you to write about jazz?

It's mainly the challenge of trying to capture the spirit and quality of the music in a written format, a way to support the music by non-musical means and contribute to the scene.

What do you like to do in your free time? Any hobbies?

I try to find the time for photography, reading, going to the pub, following my football team, grandchildren and looking after a badly-behaved Cocker Spaniel.

What role does jazz music play in your life?

It's the soundtrack. It plays a major role—listening, relaxing, writing and attending gigs.

How does writing about jazz contribute to the music itself?

Describing an album helps give the reader an idea of the artist's music and may stimulate them to listen to something that they may find of interest. It also spreads the word about what is frequently considered a niche art form.

What do you like most about All About Jazz?

The site is trusted, has global reach and is ever-expanding. It is structured in a way that makes it an indispensable depository of information on all aspects of jazz and a key part of the ecosystem that keeps jazz communication alive.

What positives have come from your association with All About Jazz?

Many: I've been introduced to new musicians and bands, the excellent editorial staff help improve my writing, I have access to loads of new music and the occasional complimentary note from an artist I've reviewed makes it all the better.

Vinyl, CD or Streaming?

CD, streaming or hi-res downloads.