Gig Review: Emma-Jean Thackray at Belgrave Music Hall, Leeds

2025 has been a giant year for Emma-Jean Thackray, the Yorkshire born and raised jazz musician. Her biggest and best album to date, Weirdo, was released in April, receiving critical acclaim ever since. It’s a record born out of hardship and struggle, a place where some of the most powerful art lives.

Thackray’s Belgrave gig was a return to her roots, from touring her show all over Europe, to stepping out in a vintage Leeds shirt to an adoring crowd.

The setlist begun with an extended intro of the new album’s opener Something Wrong With Your Mind. Douglas Taylor’s drumming here, and throughout, had eyes widening and, I suspect, jealousy flooding through the musicians in the crowd. We then sailed on through Thackray’s most recognisable tracks, from Save Me and Weirdo, to some older works like Yellow and Venus.

Thackray played guitar, trumpet, tambourine, sang and orchestrated her band who weaved through masterful solo’s all night. The catchy hooks and powerful vocals didn’t stop these being purely jazz songs, played by jazz musicians.

Halfway through the show, the Leeds artist stopped to speak about the harm of social media and internet forums, some of which she reads critiques of her own work on. The next song was then tastefully dedicated to a ‘Graham’ who was one of the few commentators on Thackray’s success. The crowd took Thackray under their wing, supporting and cherishing her as one of their own.

It’s not every day you get to see a Mercury Nominee play at your local venue and it was not being taken for granted. The show came to a close with forceful basslines and a remix of Save Me that had the room bouncing. Thackray’s musical versatility was a shining light throughout. Jazz was the canvas and splashes of rock, UK electronic music and DJ influences didn’t go amiss.

As Thackray continues her tour it was a pleasure to see such a loved and celebrated musician back home.