Sophie Gilbert – Arran Shanghavi – RJ Gilbert
Three rising young stars of the Birmingham jazz scene join forces to gently warm you up for the James Taylor Quartet. This intimate yet exciting trio presents a beautifully curated set of pop and folk favourites – think Joni Mitchell and Norah Jones – alongside carefully chosen jazz standards, including an intricate Nancy Wilson arrangement of a Frank Loesser tune.
On vocals is Scottish-born singer Sophie Gilbert, a Royal Birmingham Conservatoire graduate and one of just 6 successful applicants (from 130) selected for the Spotlight on Birmingham project.
On saxophone is RJ Gilbert, fresh from a tour of China, whose modern sound draws inspiration from Dick Oatts, blended with a classic, rich tone widely praised by fellow musicians.
On piano and organ is Arran Shanghavi, who tours internationally with one of the UK’s top blues acts, Big Wolf Band (officially recognised at the UK Blues Federation Awards 2025), and whose recorded music has featured on ABC for an Oscars ceremony advert.
This event takes place at Minster Hall.
The Minster Hall pedestrian entrance is off Dam Street, between Speakers Corner and Bird Street Car Park near Minster Pool. What3Words. ///tile.tides.memo
A Lichfield Jazz Weekender sign will be positioned on the gateway to the entrance.
From the Hub, walk up Dam St and turn left at Speakers Corner and you will see the entrance looking back in the direction of The Hub (2-3 min walk).
This event forms part of our Jazz Weekender (4–7 June) – discover the full line-up of festival events here.
