Birmingham Jazz Presents

New talent on show at the weekend.

There’s a chance to see some emerging jazz talent on Friday when Birmingham Jazz preesnt new band Shrews at 1,000 Trades in the Jewellery Quarter.

Shrews came together in 2019 to celebrate their love of the great jazz vocalists through history – from Billie Holiday, through Betty Carter, to Cécile McLorin Salvant. The quartet flit playfully between these influences as they rework songs from the Great American Songbook and beyond, emerging with their own unique and colourful sound. They firmly believe that these ‘beloved’ songs, often packed with hideous messages about gender and race, should be presented truthfully – bringing these issues to fore and exploring the ugliness within such beautiful music. The band is a vocal jazz quartet featuring vocalist Nishla Smith, soon to release her debut album on Whirlwind, along with Tom Harris on piano, Asaph Tal on bass, and Kai Chareunsy on drums.

Friday 14th January. 1,000 Trades, 16 Frederick Street, Birmingham B1 3HE. Tickets: Advance standard £12.50, members free, students £5 (on the door £15/£12.50/£5).