Melanie Russell

I love jazz because it changes all the time. I was first exposed to jazz as a kid watching Ella Fitzgerald Live at Ronnie Scotts on TV. I know jazz drummer Stu Butterfield. The best show I ever attended was. a toss up between The Bad Plus at Kings Place and the Tribute to Nina Simone with Angela Kidjo, Dianne Reeves, Lizz Wright and Simone at the Barbican. Neil Cowley at Pizza Express also brilliant and mesmerising. Ella and Basie at the Royal Festival Hall - very special. The first jazz record I bought was Hard Work by John Handy My advice to new listeners is to be open minded. If you find it doesnt thrill you at first, keep trying a few different styles before you write it off. Don’t listen to what the jazz haters say and be proud of being a jazz head.