After so long without live music, Sheffield Jazz is back

After so long without live music jazz returns to Crookes Social Club on June 4 with the first of four gigs in a short summer season, to be followed in October by a full autumn season of ten.

The first gig features the Ant Law Quintet a talented guitar-led band, which includes leading British pianist Ivo Neame. They will be playing music from their recent album ‘The Sleeper Wakes’ centred on Ant’s distinctive guitar sound, infectious rhythmic hooks and progressive improvisation.This is followed on June 11 by a very special treat featuring sax maestro Alan Barnes, who is also a prolific composer, arranger and bandleader. Alan will be leading an all-star twelve piece band playing new arrangements of classic tunes from landmark albums all released in 1959 by jazz legends including, Charles Mingus, Dave Brubeck, John Coltrane and Thelonious Monk.On June 18 we welcome back the versatile and innovative trumpeter Byron Wallen and his group Four Corners, which includes Sheffield Jazz favourite Rob Luft on guitar. Byron is also an acclaimed composer and producer and a leading creative force in UK music. The band will be playing music from Byron’s new album released last year to critical acclaim.In contrast the final gig before the summer break features pianist, composer and virtuoso improviser Andrew McCormack. Andrew, the driving force behind such A-list artists as Kyle Eastwood, Denys Baptist and Jean Toussaint will play a split set - the first half alone showcasing his latest album ‘Solo’ and the second with his trio.

After a break events resume in October with a autumn season, ten contrasting gigs showcasing some of the top jazz musicians on the British scene including; Nikki Iles leading a star-studded 18-strong jazz orchestra, a 13 piece ensemble based around some our best brass players celebrating the musical ideas of Charlie Parker; and a rich variety of smaller bands from the London jazz scene.

All gigs will be accessible via advance tickets only for the foreseeable future and they can be bought from www.ticketsource.co.uk/sheffield-jazz.