Improvised Histories: The Jazz Heritage Wales Soundwalk

Step into the streets of Swansea and immerse yourself in the untold stories of jazz in Wales. This GPS-triggered soundwalk, created in collaboration with Jazz Heritage Wales, brings to life the rich and often overlooked history of jazz across the city — from dockside cafés and wartime dancehalls to groundbreaking educational projects and global musical exchange.

Founded by the late Professor Jen Wilson in 1986, Jazz Heritage Wales has long uncovered the vital contributions of women, Black musicians, and working-class communities to Wales’s vibrant musical culture. Along this walk, you’ll hear their stories through archival audio, personal testimony, and new music by The Iridium Collective, Brynmill Community Choir, and Scarabella.

From hidden histories to vibrant sounds, this walk reveals how Swansea’s streets still echo with the spirit of creativity, resistance, and community that jazz has always embodied. Let the city, and its music, guide your steps.

How to Use the Echoes Explorer App: The Echoes Explorer app uses your phone’s GPS to trigger stories and music as you walk — no buttons, no scripts.

Here’s how to begin:

1. Get the App: Download “Echoes Explorer” from the App Store or Google Play. Open the app and search for: “Improvised Histories: The Jazz Heritage Wales Soundwalk”

2. Download the Tour: Tap “Download Tour” to access everything offline. Turn on location services and wear headphones for best results.

3. Start Your Walk: Begin at the Dylan Thomas Centre (recommended), or join at any point on the map. Press “Start” in the app which automatically tracks your location. Audio will play automatically as you enter each zone (i.e. blue zones on the map).

4. At Each Location: First, you’ll hear a mixture of spoken word and original music. You're free to stay and enjoy the music after the spoken word is finished or move on. The next stop (or blue zone) will trigger as you arrive. If you stay to listen, each echo (or blue zone) contains text with further information related to the story.

Tips: Keep your screen unlocked to avoid GPS issues. Walk at a steady pace — slow enough not to skip zones.

If something’s not working:

1. Make sure location services are on.

2. Check that the full tour is downloaded.

3. Try closing and reopening the app.