My experience of SUJO Sessions
SUJO (Sheffield University Jazz Orchestra) kindly invited me along to their most recent monthly jam session. Held at The Gardener’s Rest pub in Kelham Island, Sheffield, this jam session runs every second Saturday of the month. Although I knew a few people in the core band, there were a few new people I met, and had a great time playing alongside.
The relaxed and friendly nature of this session really highlights their tagline ‘Led by SUJO, made by YOU!’. The ensemble, which ended up with a core rhythm section, 4 trumpets, 3 saxes, and a trombone, made a great sound together, and garnered much attention from the local pub attenders.
The session had a focus on improvisation for the players, and this is something I very much enjoyed. Just playing through some classic jazz standards from the real book, and then adding my own unique solo was very rewarding for both myself and the listeners. There was no pressure to solo, however, so if you just want to come for a play through of some standards, that’s okay too!
I appreciated the inclusive nature of this event, and trumpet player Emily Compton was warm and welcoming to both band and listeners. If you play an instrument then do consider heading down to a SUJO session, it is great fun, with no pressure, and lots of beer!
Thanks for the invite – I’ll certainly be returning soon!
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