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The Jazz Age, a term mainly derived from a collection of short stories by F Scott Fitzgerald, is commonly evoked to describe the social and cultural climate of the interwar years. But all too often, jazz becomes a mere soundtrack to the enticing stories of the ‘Bright Young Things’, and its influence on artistic practice and impact on society in Britain more broadly is underexplored. These aspects will be addressed in a major new exhibition on ‘the Age of Jazz’ to be staged at Two Temple Placein London next spring, developed and in partnership with The Arts Society.Although the term ‘jazz’ was already relatively familiar in Britain, more often seen as a verb (‘to jazz’) or adjective (‘jazzy’) describing the latest trends and fashions, it was the arrival of the Original Dixeland Jazz Band from America in 1919 which defined the style musically. Initially at least, jazz was often considered to be comedic, anarchic and noisy, provoking reactions ranging from abhorrence to devotion when it entered the consciousness of the British public.After this initial flurry of reaction, jazz was absorbed within the entertainment structures of the British cultural establishment. While its use as an accompaniment to decadent and debauched activity was the reality for NIGHT CLUBS TO MILK JUGSJAZZ WAS MORE THAN JUST A MUSICAL BACKDROP TO THE INTERWAR YEARS. CATHERINE TACKLEY, A LEADING AUTHORITY ON JAZZ, AND CURATOR OF A NEW EXHIBITION, EXPLORES ITS CULTURAL REACH142JAZZ CULTUREThe Arts Society ReviewSummer 2017