Jazz Journal operates a self-service review system. If you have an album for review, it’s essential you enter the details in the Review Pitch spreadsheet – it’s the only way to be seen by JJ reviewers.
JJ reviewers will select anything they want to review from this list. I will then request the album be sent direct to reviewer. Please don’t send anything more to the JJ Ashford office, which will shortly close.
Anything not reviewed may be featured in our new releases pages (excerpted on JJ’s front page) so it’s important to fill in the notes column of the pitch sheet.
About the Review Pitch spreadsheet
The Review Pitch spreadsheet is titled to reflect the beginning of the period in which reviews will appear. So, for example, “JJ Review Pitch 1021” refers to the review publication period 1 October – 30 November 2021. It’s emptied and contents sent to reviewers end of August 2021. Please request access to the sheet by clicking the button above.
How to complete the Review Pitch spreadsheet
Please read and follow these instructions carefully.
Enter details of your title(s) using the next available line at the bottom of the list (do not overwrite existing entries!).
Artist, author, band name
Artist-led dates need to be sortable A-Z by leader’s surname, e.g., Smith, John. DON’T PUT JOHN SMITH! If no leader, give band name, e.g., Weather Report. Leave out generics such as quartet, quintet etc.
Title
Make All Words Initial Caps – like that.
Label & number
If no label or number, give artist URL.
Stream
Non-expiring one-click free stream – not Spotify or any other subscription service. Downloads are not so good – the extra steps required will discourage quick sampling – but they’re ok if no stream (e.g. Bandcamp, SoundCloud) is available. These streams are to help reviewers decide, but may be used also for actual review. However, most reviewers will require a hard copy to review. Please note that review material is non-returnable. See terms and conditions.
Email
Please give publicist/supplier and artist email addresses.
Notes
These are very important – reviewers may decide from what you write, especially with lesser-known artists. Players’ names, the musical style (what does it sound like? – Dixieland, bebop, swing, funk, improv, etc.) and instrumentation are more likely to engage writer and reader than elevated concepts, political or poetic. Maximum 50 words. Don’t paste a link to download a PR in place of words – you need to attract the reviewer in moments – but add a URL to more info if you want.
Once done, hit return – the document will autosave – and close browser tab. No need to do anything else.
Many thanks
