Peggy’s Skylight once again proved its place as a cornerstone of Nottingham’s jazz scene with its latest edition of the Peggy’s Spotlight showcase. The event's mission is to shine a light on homegrown talent giving them a chance to shine on a stage that feels like home...
The atmosphere at Peggy's Skylight was warm and intimate, the kind of space where every note feels personal, and every lyric like a gift.
Opening the night was Nottingham’s own singer-songwriter, Adara, whose performance was nothing short of mesmerizing. Known for her poetic lyricism and evocative piano arrangements, Adara’s set transported the audience into deeply personal narratives.
She started with I Have His Eyes, a beautiful piece about her connection to her father, and continued with Her and I, a haunting and beautiful exploration of getting lost in sadness. The mood promptly lightened right after, with Do You Like Your Job, Sophie?, an irresistibly catchy, tongue-in-cheek singalong about dealing with a frustrating job. Adara’s set closed with a love song, leaving listeners spellbound, just in time for Valentine’s Day. Utterly charming, is how I’d describe her.
Next up, Louis Chapman Trio took the stage, and from the first few seconds, it was clear we were in for a great time. This was Nottingham-born drummer Louis Chapman's, first live show under his own name, but you wouldn’t have known it from the way the trio played together: their years of experience and passion for jazz present in every note.
Their rendition of Cole Porter’s Love for Sale was a joy to witness, blending complex jazz chords with fresh, modern energy. What really made their set special was the chemistry between the musicians—the way they exchanged smiles and effortlessly synchronised their beats and pauses made the whole set feel like a conversation between best pals, rather than just a performance. It was jazz in its purest form: spontaneous, dynamic, and full of joy.
Peggy’s Skylight continues to be a beacon for jazz lovers
Closing the night was Pendentive, a quartet that refuses to be boxed into any one genre. Their music is an adventurous blend of jazz, broken beat, downtempo and funk, creating an immersive soundscape that felt as innovative as it was expertly crafted.
They opened with Back Scat, featuring a charming intro sung by a band member’s niece, setting a playful tone to their set. Starfish and the Sea followed, dreamlike and immersive, while Hourglass introduced gentle vocals that felt like a warm embrace. One of the most striking moments of the night came with Toy Smuggler, a deeply moving piece inspired by a real-life hero who risked everything to bring toys into war zones. They ended their set with Back Scat Pt. II and This Time, leaving the audience in awe of their creativity and musical depth. The perfect end to an enchanting evening.
Anyone who has been to Peggy’s Skylight knows how entrancing the atmosphere is. From the chimes of wine glasses, to the incredible smell of delicious food, it’s impossible to not be in the mood for jazz. I couldn’t recommend Peggy’s Spotlight more. Each act brought something unique to the table, from Adara’s charming lyricism, to the Louis Chapman Trio’s talent and joy, and finally, to Pendentive’s genre-blending innovation.
Peggy’s Skylight continues to be a beacon for jazz lovers, offering a stage where both emerging and established artists can share their artistry. If this night was any indication, the future of jazz in Nottingham is in the best of hands.
Peggy's Skylight is at 3 George Street. Information about the latest events can be found on their website.
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