Perth Voice Interactive

The Perth Jazz Society is a tough old boot.

Since forming in 1973 it has has survived flares, synthesisers and all manners of personal changes and musical fads.

In its heyday it showcased international jazz stars, including Stéphane Grappelli and Miles Davis sideman David Liebman.

This month it celebrates its 40th anniversary at the newly opened Laneway Lounge in Murray Street.

PJS president Johannes Luebbers says the club was formed by UK migrant Don Mead.

“From what I know Don was a massive fan of jazz music, but not a musician,” he says.

“Sadly, he passed away a few years ago and his wife now lives in the eastern states.

“The history of the club is quite nebulous because it has changed hands so many times and been through many incarnations—I think there is memorabilia lying in boxes all over the city”

For more than 20 years the PJS held weekly gigs at the Hyde Park Hotel, where it built up a cult following.

But the society nearly folded in the late noughties when it was forced to move to the Charles Hotel, struggling to attract punters Tuesday nights.

Shortly after becoming PJS president in 2010, Mr Luebbers decided to try different venues across the city to rejuvenate membership.

The PJS now hosts nights at PICA, The Ellington and the Laneway.

“It’s worked out really well, because we can showcase different types of music at each venue,” he says.

A composer and pianist in the Johannes Luebbers Dectet, Mr Luebbers says the PJS has around 200 members and on average attracts around 50 to gigs.

“It will take a while to rebuild the PJS brand, because people still think we’re at the Hydey,” he laughs.

“But we are slowly building up a new following—they keep trying to bury jazz, but we aren’t going anywhere!”

The PJS will celebrate middle-age at The Laneway Lounge August 27.

by STEPHEN POLLOCK