For us lot who are used to Peggy’s Skylight hosting nights of bossa nova or Blue Note, Juga-Naut brought something a bit different to the intimate venue...
For us lot who are used to Peggy’s Skylight hosting nights of bossa nova or Blue Note, this Wednesday feels new, yet the venue’s intimacy familiar. The artists on the bill amongst a more involved crowd, my eyes are focused directly on the stage.
Kitted out in the sharpest of ways that matches Juga-Naut’s steez, the stage is graced with the original album artwork from his latest release, Time and Place - painted by Emily Catherine in a style she links to Dutch old masters. No reminder is needed, but even before his rapping blesses the mic, we see how each and every part of Jugz’ persona come together like jigsaw pieces, feeding something bigger.
Stepping up first round are Notts’ own Jimmy Rocket and LVNDLXRD, shouting out their partner in crime Vandal Savage who couldn’t make tonight’s show. That’s soon forgotten when the Rocket reminds us how he can look after the stage himself.
Producer for their last-year EP Bespoke Verses, LVNDLXRD twists the nobs bringing bass through heavy, room starts shaking, heads begin to bump. Left, right and centre of the stage moves the MC Jimmy, feeling the crowd’s warmth grow. Laying down bars from old to new, his lyricism as unapologetic as ever… smoother than most at the same time.
Offering jazz’s newer sounds, Peggy’s recently installed Wednesday-night program invites artists from way outside our city’s boundaries to warm their bellies with some Middle Eastern scran and drop some heat on stage. This midweek teatime we’re being fed summet fiery, consisting clean-cut centimetre cubes of Nottingham’s finest hip hop only.
With a proud and humoured gaze, Jugz waits his turn as his dad takes centre stage, performing spoken word, cutting from his lines on Time and Place’s opener. Adding weight to his words, Stickman reiterates “art is the message” – an ode to Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers - with a whole lotta charisma and passion. You couldn’t script a better intro.
No pause and Jugz’ is on, subbed in for his old man. Growing and growing is the audience’s shared delight, appreciation and anticipation. Couple o’ songs deep and the hook to The Passion (prod. Giallo Point) is getting the audience chipping in on vocals, raising hairs too. Song by song, Jugz’ persona solidifies and he’s got complete control, building energy by the minute.
Despite the intricacy and complexity of his rhymes, the clear and polished delivery means the audience can follow, cementing his masterful aura. From 11 year-old beats to brand new production, it feels like a journey, but he finishes off by reminding us that this moment right now is the Time and Place.
On a night where everything was brought together just right, Juga-Naut dropped the mic with a tribute to Peggy’s Skylight, leading the support it needs in times of uncertainty. In case you didn’t know, the venue’s lease is under threat from the council, who propose to sell it on. This is the sort of centre for culture our city needs, and is blessed to have, so show some support by checking out their gigs, signing the petition and staying in the loop.
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