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Live music is a world away from listening to a CD player or even a DJ. The best gigs are at small venues, where you can get close, almost within touching distance of the artists. There are many talented unknown musicians who are only just managing to make a living. Their devotion and passion for communication through music is infectious.
Most of these photographs were taken at the Jazz and Roots club at the Buttermarket in Shrewsbury, one of the most respected world music venues in the UK. In the tiny cellar venue the front row of the audience could touch the artists on their cramped stage, and the intimacy invariably generated terrific atmosphere. Many bands asked to return, such was the response from the tightly-packed crowd. In 2004 Stuart Jefferies, writing in The Guardian, described it as "Britain's best reggae club". The Jazz and Roots Club was run by local musician Dave Bassett, who worked night and day to bring exceptional musicians from all over the world to a beautiful corner of England that many British people can't even locate on a map. Thanks Dave, we are for ever grateful. |
 Eugene Bridges |
 Mac Tontoh's trumpet |
 Mac Tontoh |
 Mary Coughlan |
 Paul Moran |
 Paul Moran |
 Paul Moran |
 The Wailers |
 Pauline Black |
 Pauline Black |
 Misty in Roots |
 Misty in Roots |
 Ruby Turner |
 Ruby Turner |
 Drunk in Public |
 Drunk in Public |
 Skatalites |
 Skatalites |
 Ram Vodou |
 Ram Vodou |
 Eugene Bridges |
 Eugene Bridges |
 Burning Spear |
 Burning Spear |