When I booked a ticket to see Shamarr Allen live at Denver’s Dazzle Jazz, I didn’t know what to expect. As I scrolled through the performances, I noticed a photo of a Black man holding a trumpet and thought “Jazz. Perfect” I booked the ticket quickly, committing myself to a night on the town after a particularly rough week. After receiving confirmation, I returned to the artist profile and realized that instead of traditional jazz, I had purchased tickets to see a New Orleans Jazz artist.
Ironically, New Orleans Jazz was the absolute last type of music I wanted to hear. I was looking for the traditional sultry, melancholy jazz that would let me drown my feelings in the sound. I was in no mood for a lively brass band, or the theatrics of the music I had listened to for years of my life while living close to New Orleans on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Resolved to a night out, I invited a friend to join me for my inaugural single-girl outing. I’ve spent a ton of time going out alone and actually prefer the solitude, but since it had been a while I figured it would be nice to have company – plus, if someone else committed to attending the show I wouldn’t be able to back out as easily.
I spent some time researching Allen to familiarize myself with his career. I watched muted videos, not wanting to sully my first experience with a preview of what was to come. I was surprised to learn that Allen had performed at the Telluride Jazz Festival in Southern Colorado. The crowd seemed to enjoy his set, so I readied myself to do the same.
A Dazzling New Experience
It was my first time attending Dazzle in its new location at the Denver Center for Performing Arts complex. I parked in the complex parking garage for $15, though I preferred to park on the street for $2. I figured that the garage would be safer and keep me from driving in circles to find an open meter. After parking, I walked down the stairs to the complex plaza, took a left, then walked to 14th Street, and turned left again. The new Dazzle is situated at the intersection of 14th and Arapahoe, easily recognized by a velvet-roped queue in front of an open glass door.
The hosts greeted me enthusiastically, confirming my name before leading me to a small table on the left side of the stage. When I arrived at the table, I realized my error in booking. I had wanted to be close to the stage, but all of the seating was close in the intimate, rectangular space. I should have opted for seating in the three rows of banquets facing the stage, which looked much more comfortable than the minimally-sized plastic, cushioned chairs, and tiny tables on the floor.
My waiter introduced himself soon after I sat down, and told me that I could either order with him or scan the QR code at the table for automatic service. I asked if it were possible to change my seats to one of the banquets, and he told me that he would check although he doubted there was any last-minute availability.
Looking around the new Dazzle’s Main Listening Room, I recognized a colorful mural of the late trumpet player, Ron Miles, against the north wall. At the other side of the venue sat a grand piano within a room adorned with album covers and artwork, depicting jazz in every color and giving tribute to the legendary El Chapultepec. That portion of the space, affectionately called the El Chapultepec Piano Bar at Dazzle, featured a long, elegant bar with table seating.
The club filled quickly, with a diverse and eclectic mix of jazz enthusiasts filing in before the 7 p.m. start time. The waiter was tied up and ultimately never returned to address my requested seating change, so I scanned the QR code and easily ordered a drink on the venue’s electronic menu. I scanned the food menu, which offered a variety of hors d’oeuvres, salads, and desserts, but nothing appealed to me. The drink arrived within 3 minutes, and the lights were dimmed.
A Musical Treat: True Orleans
At 7 p.m., three men walked to the stage and took their positions; bassist Jared Sutton, guitarist Daniel Edwards, and percussionist Jarrel Allen, began playing music that sounded nothing like I expected. It was a smooth, rhythmic blend of traditional jazz and the soft, sweet New Orleans Jazz style that made me think of walking along a dark, hazy Frenchman Street in the fall. My body recognized the melody and immediately started swaying with my eyes closed, breathing in every note.
The headlining trumpeter and vocalist took the stage, and all at once, I knew that I had selected the perfect show. Allen’s trumpet rang out loudly, in a perfect pitch that reverberated against the paneled walls. The stage came alive under the glowing red light of its new LED logo as he flexed his technique for the audience. Then, the band transitioned to an upbeat song with a hybrid jazz and hip-hop beat.
I’m Here, featured an introductory rap by the lead vocalist, giving a complimentary description of Allen as an artist and man. He provided introspection about his humble beginnings with a thick New Orleans accent, repeating, “The fact I got it out the mud make me appreciate it more; ‘cause I’m here!”
Right away, the audience was called to participate by clapping along with the song in a low-pressure, fun, and interactive way. After the song, Allen gave an impassioned welcome, introducing the members of his band, including a special introduction for the drummer, whose resemblance to Allen was confirmed to be genetic. He announced that his son, a college student, was touring with him for the very first time.
The next song, and my favorite of the evening, was an ode to Allen’s ex-girlfriend. Keep Your Love started with a surrender, “That’s it! I quit! And I don’t wanna talk about itttt.” It was all about walking away from a failing, toxic relationship with empowering vocals and music that made breakups sound like a good time.
Throughout each song, Allen alternated between vocals and trumpet. His ability to play a full verse of instrumentals in a perfect pitch and then immediately switch to equally strong vocals was impressive. The audience learned that his skills were acquired from playing with musical greats such as Rebirth Brass Band, Harry Connick Jr., Lenny Kravitz, and even Willie Nelson, whom he boasted a great affinity for. The influence of a diverse musical background was clear, as individuals of all ages, races, and styles were fully immersed in the entire show.
Allen announced that his new album, “True Orleans 2,” would be released days later on August 18, and made a special pick-your-price offer for physical copies available with True Orleans merchandise after the show.
Allen announced that his new album, “True Orleans 2,” would be released days later on August 18, and made a special pick-your-price offer for physical copies available with True Orleans merchandise after the show.
His third studio release, following the 2008 debut of “Meet Me On Frenchman Street,” and 2018 “True Orleans” sophomore album, features a mix of jazz, hip-hop, rock, funk, and blues. Allen spoke about his love for all styles of music and gave a glimpse into his distinguishably diverse musical mind and dedication to individuality with Enjoying My Life.
Midway through the show, Allen paused to talk about the importance of showing love to people from all walks of life. In a segment he referred to as “Loveism,” he led the audience through an exercise where each person would express their love for five other people. It was a reminder to look out for each other in the course of our daily lives, breaking boundaries caused by racism, ableism, sexism, classism, and every other “-ism” that threatens our humanity.
Allen and his band played a beautiful rendition of the late Amy Winehouse’s Valerie, and led the audience through another interactive moment with Weekend Dance. We were encouraged to commemorate the coming weekend with our respective versions of a celebratory dance. It was the perfect opportunity to shake off the stress of the week as we grooved along to the song, which is featured as a remix on “True Orleans 2,” featuring G.Love, Special Sauce, and inspirational New Orleans emcee, Dee-1.
By the final song, the crowd had fallen in love with the New Orleans trumpeter and vocalist who performed an incredible show and gave his all. It was a night that nobody wanted to end, as the audience lined up in the El Chapultepec Piano Bar space to purchase t-shirts, lapel pins, and albums.
Allen, who charmed new fans with photos and autographs for nearly an hour after the show, was a delight. His talent and stage presence easily won me over and I have been listening to his album on repeat ever since. It is a pick-me-up, with relatable lyrics and authenticity found nowhere other than New Orleans. It was the perfect evening after all.
NOTE: Shamarr Allen’s tour will bring him back to Colorado on September 14 at Nissi’s Entertainment Venue & Event Center in Lafayette.