SHEILA WATERFIELD

I hope 2022 finds you well and relatively unscathed by the virus. My heart goes out to anyone who is ill or bereaved. It has been a particularly turbulent and uncertain time for many, especially those working in the entertainment sector. Many of my work colleagues have really struggled emotionally and financially throughout the pandemic and continue to do so. I feel very blessed to have had the love and support of my family through the dark times.

It was a delight to perform at St Clement Danes Church, London with The Bader’s Big Band in aid of Elizabeth’s Legacy of Hope and The Douglas Bader Foundation. Both foundations raise funds for children with limb deficiency/limb difference. St Clement Danes Church is the Central Church of the Royal Air Force. Re-consecrated in 1958 as a perpetual shrine of remembrance to those who have died in service in the RAF.

The saviour of the independent artist throughout the pandemic has been Bandcamp, allowing their artists to receive full revenue for any music sold on its site via the ‘Bandcamp Friday’ promotion. Hat’s off to Bandcamp!

I had high expectations for 2020! Scores were being prepared and rehearsals in place to record a studio Big Band album leading to a series of concerts to be staged later in the year ……. little did we know that we were heading towards an 18 month shut down of the entire world!

Very excited to be part of a new series of live jazz events staged at the gorgeous Repertory Theatre in Birmingham. I’ll be accompanied by some of the regions finest musicians – Richard Jones, John Hodgetts and Mark Trounson.

A lovely gig on a fine, hot summer’s day! Always a joy to share the beautiful bandstand with Richard Jones on piano and Ian Hill on saxes.

Another lovely day spent at the gorgeous Gospel Oak Studios in Warwickshire – laying down strings on my album tracks with the hugely talented Rebecca Rose and Julianne Bourne.

Very excited to release some of my original compositions in the form of a five track EP – ‘A Better Place’. The track is now available in CD and digital format. Heartfelt thanks to all who contributed to the recording: Richard Jones, Matt Ball, David Williams, Wayne Matthews, Mike Green, Dave Anderson, Jim Bashford, Tommi Vokinen, Bryan Corbett, Chris (Bebee) Aldridge, Julianne Bourne, Rebecca Rose, Olly Sansom, Matt Cotterill, Nathan Morris, Barry Bayliss and Ian Riley.

It was wonderful to share the stage with Mike Green, Richard Jones, Neil Hunter and Geoff Tooley at The 35th Birmingham, Sandwell and Westside Jazz Festival. Once again huge thanks and congrats to the festival organisers – Big Bear Music for another very successful event.

How to run a Jazz Club ……..
Look no further than Graham Brook, organiser of live events at Wilmslow Jazz.
Huge thanks to Graham for inviting me to perform at the Club and for being so welcoming.
It was a lovely gig thanks to The Dean Stockdate Trio, Liam Byrne on Tenor Sax and a very attentive and appreciative audience. I’m really looking forward to returning to the club next year.

This month marked my 5th year performing at the legendary Trumpet Jazz Club in Bilston. It’s always an honour and a privilege singing at this intimate, classy and gorgeous venue and I feel truly blessed to be working with such wonderful musicians every month.

A wonderful way to start the New Year, recording at Gospel Oak Studios with 2 of the loveliest, talented ladies – Julianne Bourne and Rebecca Rose (The Rosebourne Duo). Special thanks to Julianne for her amazing string arrangements and Recording Engineer Barry Bayliss for another really productive and enjoyable session.