Results for "London UK"

Lauren Bush

Born: May 12, 1986

Canadian-born, London-based vocalist Lauren Bush has established herself as one of the UK's leading contemporary jazz singers, combining an expressive lyricism with an adventurous musical spirit. Equally at home interpreting the Great American Songbook as she is performing her own compositions, she has become known for her impeccable phrasing, conversational scatting and ability to uncover fresh perspectives within familiar repertoire.

Since releasing her debut album, All My Treasures (2016), produced by Ian Shaw, Lauren has developed an increasingly distinctive artistic voice. Her second album, Dream Away (2021), introduced a greater emphasis on original composition and collaborative writing, earning a place in Bebop Spoken Here's Top Ten Albums of the Year. Her latest release, Tide Rises (Mighty Quinn Records), premiered to a sold-out audience at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club and was later named the publication's No. 2 Album of the Year. The record showcases Lauren's evolving songwriting alongside inventive arrangements by longtime collaborator Liam Dunachie.

Shamus Dark

Born: March 19, 1948

I've spent the last few years recording albums, making videos and performing in and around London, the far east and New York City. Most of the songs come from the 1930's, 40's and 50's, written by the great composers of the day; Cole Porter, Rogers and Hart, Hoagy Carmichael, Matt Dennis, Harold Arlen et al. But there are also songs by Elvis Costello and Joy Division. With the help of some great collaborating musicians and producers, I'm doing my best to bring some of these great old American songbook standards into the 21st century with the aid of digital technology.

Nicola Emmanuelle

The talents of Nicola Emmanuelle have been obvious for some time to the many artists, producers and musical directors who have been using her crystalline voice for studio albums, film and television work, and now the public can enjoy one of the finest voices yet to be signed to a major record label at some of the foremost Jazz venues across London. Having just finished a stint at the Haymarkey Theatre and then on a UK wide tour for most of 2018 playing Ella Fitzgerald in the Rat Parck Live at Las Vegas to rave reviews, Nicola is back to finishing her new album in the studio, writing new original material with a number of co-writers, and performing live around London with her band the Nicola Emmanuelle Quartet. Nicola has a sensational set of songs evoking the work and sound of the original jazz pioneers of the thirties, forties and fifties, along with stunning and beautiful renditions of some of the all time great jazz standards. Coming from a South African jazz dynasty, (her Father Nathan ‘Dambuza’ Mdledle was the founder and lead singer of the Manhattan Brothers) London born Nicola attended the Cleo Laine school of music followed by the Bourne school of music and Goldsmiths foundation, and enjoyed a Classical training by Elizabeth Anderson Kramer. Despite her enormous versatility and numerous genre changes for various projects, Nicola retains a deep desire to follow in the classic jazz styles she grew up with and has always loved. Her understanding of the feel and swing of the best of the past, and her own contemporary iconic style and individuality adds to and supports a voice of mesmerising purity and beauty. Comfortable in all types of live situations, Nicola makes a speciality of singing accapella and is capable of incredible scat solos when the mood takes her. She can touch an audience with a torch song, before drawing them back to laughter with her endearing and graceful humour. Nicola has a way of sticking you to the spot, and always wanting more; you stay there until forced to leave. Many acts have recently tried to encompass the enduring appeal of the great jazz singers and writers - few if any, have the capacity or talent to do it with such authenticity or affection as Nicola Emmanuelle.