Exciting Sheffield live date in June for star jazz trumpeter Byron Wallen

Byron’s summer 2021 UK tour is promoting his much-anticipated album, Portrait: Reflections On Belonging.

He was commissioned by the PRS Foundation to compose a special piece entitled Anthem For Woolwich, which won widespread critical acclaim from critics, peers and music fans alike.

The new album is his first recorded release in 13 years.

Byron said: “Sitting in the central square in Woolwich one day, I was struck by the vibrant and wonderful people. The mixture of cultures and nationalities was so unique. Shortly after the event, PRS For Music Foundation commissioned me to put this observation into music creating a lasting homage to the area.

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“The project, which ultimately led to this album, deepened my artistic and personal relationships with my immediate surroundings and community.”

He studied with luminaries such as Jimmy Owens, Donald Byrd and Jon Faddis, also working with the likes of George Benson, Chaka Khan and Hugh Masekela.

On Portrait, Byron Wallen plays the trumpet, flugelhorn, shells and percussion. He is accompanied by Rob Luft on guitar, Paul Michael on bass and Rod Youngs on drums, with congas and taking drums from Richard ‘Olatunde’ Baker.

He plays on Friday, June 18 at Crookes Social Club in a concert for Sheffield Jazz, who begin their new season on June 4 with the Ant Law Quintet, followed on June 11 with British sax maestro Alan Barnes. Tickets are available from www.ticketsource.co.uk/sheffield-jazz and there are details of Covid arrangements on www.sheffieldjazz.org.uk.

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