The Society was formed in May 1974, and became incorporated in 1986. The JAS has held monthly concerts over the years with a "Twenty Years of Jazz Action" celebration held at the Basement in April 1994. A concert celebrating the 25th anniversary was staged at the Opera House Studio Theatre in 1999.

From 1977 until 1999 the J.A.S. organised the Jazz Composition Awards to encourage the devlopment of original jazz composition in New South Wales.

Among the well known musicians featured in past concerts: Gordon Brisker Big Band, Bob Barnard's Quintet, Warren Daly Quartet, Lily Dior Quintet, Trevor Griffin Sextet, Mark Isaacs Quartet, Mike Nock, Sydney Conservatorium Big Band, ten Part Invention, Wanderlust.

J.A.S. gratefully acknowledges the financial assistance of the Australia Council, the NSW Ministry for the Arts, the A.P.R.A., and the sponsorship of Soup Plus, Basement,and Dymocks Books at Pitt and Hunter Streets.