In fond memory of the founder of the MaD Jazzers who departed this life in June 2024, the group was renamed 'The Bryan Ruskin MaD Jazzers'. Bryan would have been so very proud to know that the group he loved so much now bears his name.

Then, in January 2026 we changed the name again to 'BRMJ' - because it sounds much cooler!

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In February our theme was Jazz versions of pop tunes from the 1950s to 2000s.   Below is the list of tracks we chose - just click on the links to listen.

Rocket Man by Jean-Michel Bernard (orig. Elton John 1972)

By the time I get to Phoenix by Joshua Redman (orig. Johnny Rivers 1965, reinterpreted by Glen Campbell 1967)

Everybody Wants To Rule The World by The Bad Plus (orig. Tears for Fears 1985)

California Dreamin' by Diana Krall (orig. Barry McGuire 1965, then Mamas & Papas 1965)

Steppin' Out by Kurt Elling (orig. Joe Jackson 1982)

Eleanor Rigby by Dan Wilson (orig. The Beatles 1966)

Crazy in Love by FrankBSax (orig. Beyoncé 2003)

Riders of the Storm by Jazzystics (orig. The Doors 1971)

That's the Way Love Goes by Norman Brown (orig. Johnny Rodrigues 1973, Janet Jackson 1993)

A Hard Day's Night by Count Basie's Big Band (orig. The Beatles 1964)

The Flower Called Nowhere by Open Studio Music (orig. Stereolab 1997)

Time after Time by Meg Birch (orig. Cyndi Lauper 1983)

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As 2026 marks the centenary of the birth of the great jazz trumpeter Miles Davis, our theme for March 2026 is 'Celebrating Miles Davis'

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Our 'MaD Jazzer' Andrew Harper has put together a Spotify playlist of the tracks we've listened to in our jazz group meetings. You can click on the link to go to Spotify and enjoy a hugely varied selection of great jazz ... BRMJ Playlist.

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The BRMJ meet via Zoom on the first Thursday of each month at 7:00pm.  This format works well as we can share our music choices online.  We also occasionally visit Peggy's Skylight, an award-winning jazz club in Nottingham, and other local jazzy venues.

Would you like to join us?  We’d be delighted to have you!   Please contact the Convener via the email link above.