'I love that jazz music has become relevant again'

Shivraj Singh Matwala, a talented musician known for his skills on the double bass, has observed a notable increase in the number of young people attending his jazz performances. Jazz, a genre that has a rich history, is experiencing a resurgence in popularity, particularly in Birmingham, where the Digbeth Jazz organization has been hosting jazz nights for over a decade. The loyal fans of Digbeth Jazz appreciate the vibrant music scene and the sense of community that surrounds these events. As the bar fills with music lovers eager for their weekly dose of jazz, it is clear that the genre is gaining traction among younger audiences. At just 28 years old, Shivraj began his musical journey as a teenager, and he attributes the growing interest in jazz to the influence of social media and contemporary artists. One such group, the Brit Award-winning Ezra Collective, has amassed over two million monthly listeners on Spotify. Their success serves as an inspiration for aspiring jazz musicians, demonstrating that with dedication and talent, anything is achievable. 'You can get absolutely anywhere with a trumpet or saxophone in your hands,' the band remarked, emphasizing the limitless possibilities that music can offer. For Shivraj, jazz represents an opportunity to innovate and create something unique. He describes the genre as a form of 'freedom,' allowing musicians to express themselves in new and exciting ways. 'It's nice to have your music that you play become relevant again, especially music that was considered dead; its resurrection is a testament to how it's evolving,' he added, highlighting the dynamic nature of jazz. Another musician, James Romaine, shares Shivraj's enthusiasm for the genre's revival. As a graduate of the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire's jazz program, James believes that the institution plays a crucial role in nurturing new talent and boosting the popularity of jazz in the city. 'It feeds the whole music scene, and there's been a growing interest for jazz,' he stated, underscoring the importance of educational programs in fostering a vibrant music community. Venues like the Night Owl nightclub are essential for live performances, providing a space for young people to experience original music. 'It's all about keeping the excitement alive and the buzz in the audience because without them, we've got nothing to do,' the 27-year-old musician explained. The Birmingham Jazz and Blues Festival, which has been celebrating jazz for over 40 years, is set to take place at the end of July. Organized by Big Bear Music, the festival aims to keep jazz 'hot' by hosting performances in over 100 unique venues, including furniture shops, canal boats, and museums. Last year, 20% of festival attendees were aged 18-30, and the event organizers are eager to continue attracting young audiences to discover the beauty of jazz. 'The aim is to try and interfere with people's daily routines and say: 'Hey, stop, you might like this,'' festival director Jim Simpson said, emphasizing the festival's mission to introduce jazz to new listeners and keep the genre alive and thriving.