I am developing a morbid interest in jazz, and I'm not quite sure what to do about it.

It may well be something to do with my age because jazz is obviously something that appeals more to older generations than youngsters.

In an odd sort of way, however, it may also be because of the smoking ban.

When I think of jazz fans and jazz clubs, I instantly get a picture in my head of a roomful of slightly scruffy blokes in their forties, listening to some trio or other who are barely visible behind a choking cloud of smoke.

The bit about slightly scruffy blokes in their forties has never bothered me - after all, I am one - but the smoky bit always has.

But now the smoking ban has made it safe to take a (literally) healthy interest in jazz, I am finding myself strangely drawn to it, especially after taking up drumming in the last few years.

I discovered that the essence of jazz, which seems complex and elusive, is actually very simple.

Whereas other styles of music are all about what you put in, jazz rhythms are mostly about what you leave out. The beauty and the skill of it is not so much in the notes and beats as in the gaps and pauses.

All these years I've had the impression that if you wanted to get into jazz, you'd first need to go on a course and then somebody would make you sit an exam.

That's exactly why Jamie Cullum has been so successful - because somehow you didn't need to be a fully paid-up member of the jazz fraternity or over 40 to like him.

And Jamie brings me neatly to an event in Swindon that provides an excuse to sample some top jazz without feeling too intimidated.

A week next Saturday, Sebastian de Krom, who is often billed as Jamie Cullum's drummer', is holding a master class' at Kingsdown School, starting at 7pm.

This promises to not just entertain but also educate, because Sebastian's performance will be interspersed with explanations of the jazz drummer's art.

Imagine that. It would be like finding out something about beer that has escaped the local branch of Camra.

Everybody is welcome but tickets (costing £10, phone 07912 253300) are limited.

And slightly scruffy people will obviously be given priority.

3:20pm Tuesday 22nd January 2008

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