Kelham Island resonated with newfound rhythms and soulful melodies last night as it hosted the first jazz event of its kind where existing bands and complete strangers take the stage on the same night.
The event gives a platform to anybody wanting to display their jazz talents or even people wanting to try it out for the first time.
Hosted by Dave Sheard, the founder of Footprints Jazz Club, the debut night unfolded at Alder’s Bar, nestled in the heart of Kelham Island. With the event planned to occur monthly going ahead.
The goal of the night is to create a place where musicians across Sheffield come together, meet and jam it out for the evening. The event gives a stage to the hidden talent of the city, with all instruments being provided for free.
This is not just for musicians though, as anyone in the public is welcome to attend and enjoy a free night of live jazz.
The evening was full of Sheffield born performers and began with an opening act that set the tone for a journey through jazz’s diverse soundscape.
Rapper/vocalist Marcus ‘Matic Mouth’ Smith, and drummer Myles Barnett-John, were amongst the standout performers in their respective roles. Both displaying the hidden talent this city holds.
Notable performers also included Joe Cuff, the 14-year-old guitar prodigy from Sunburst, and Benjamin Ten-Bruggencate on saxophone illuminated the stage with their raw talent and infectious energy.
Mr Cuff said: “It went really well, you just gotta feel what you’re feeling and follow the band, then everything will go sound. I want to see how far we can go.”
One band’s incorporation of a ChatGPT-authored song into their set was a testament to the event’s innovation and inclusivity. Gaurav Balli, the singer who confessed to using AI-generated lyrics, captivated the audience with his brilliant voice, underlining the night’s eclectic essence.
Mr Sheard said: “This live night started as a result of my partner not being very well this year and I couldn’t DJ. So, I started up live projects and realised Sheffield has such a gap for people wanting a very new sound and approach to Jazz, soul, and other genres.”
“So, I did this to give Sheffield the platform it deserves and help grow the scene here.”
Speaking at the event, Alder’s Bar co-manager, Jonny Harrold said: “We can mark that one as a success.” The sentiments echoed through the crowd, embodying a night not just of music, but of shared joy and celebration of the Sheffield jazz scene.
This inaugural event provided a platform for new talents while creating a collective tapestry of music that resonated with the city’s people.
Coming up in January is the Footprints Jazz Festival with Franz Von, Lemur Conspiracy, Fuji Speedway and Kali as well as DJs from SADACCA (Sheffield’s Afro Caribbean centre),
They have also teased at a secret Jazz festival at a park in Sheffield brewing for next summer.
