Jazz standards with indie inflections: Rosie Frater-Taylor at Crookes Social Club

On Friday 1 December, the Rosie Frater-Taylor trio performed at Crookes Social Club for the last gig in a series run by Sheffield Jazz. The trio includes Rosie Frater-Taylor on lead vocals and guitar, Dave Edwards on bass and Tom Potter on drums. Overall they make for a minimalist three-piece set up, which works well to bring about a large, upbeat sound.

Rosie has a soothing and powerful voice which, in conjunction with the eclectic sonics she brings to the table, makes for an uplifting and overwhelming experience. The songwriting is deeply personal, and reaches into your own troubles and highs. The drums were understated but served their purpose in building up and serving Rosie’s powerful ballads. Again, I’ve got to mention that Rosie has an incredible command over her voice, oscillating between soft and powerful while her melodic strumming plucked right at my soul.

Going to these gigs set up by Sheffield Jazz has not been disappointing. As I scan the venue, my scepticism of the all-white band and crowd fades away with the sound proving they have carried the soul and spirit of the black pioneers. The crowd is as receptive and riotous as they can be given that we’re all sitting down. One attendee I overheard mentioned that despite enjoying it, “it was not what I expected – the sound is not as jazzy as I would’ve liked”.

I empathised to an extant – there wasn’t a sax or trumpet in sight, but Rosie did veer into indie rock territory with a jazz flavour. I can see why purists would be disappointed, however the essence of jazz is experimentation and being free to push boundaries, so personally I welcomed her range of jazz standards with indie rock inflections.