Boisdale Of Canary Wharf

Italian-born bass player and composer Davide Mantovani has built up an impressive live career, touring internationally with some of the most illustrious Jazz, African & Latin artists. He will perform tracks from his forthcoming Jazzmatic album.

BAFTA WINNING DIRECTOR AND PRODUCER STEPHEN EVANS BRINGS BRITISH DRAMA AND  OPERA TO THE NEW JAZZ VENUE

At just 24 years of age, Manchester-born singer Alexander Stewart has already created a buzz as one of the most precociously talented vocalists of the new generation. With a warm, urgent voice that shows off his early love of Billie Holiday and Tony Bennett, he avoids being a nostalgia act with his judiciously off-beat choice of material and a decidedly contemporary energy level.

Press reaction to Alexander Stewart’s recent debut release, All Or Nothing At All, has been laudatory. 'Astonishingly mature for his 23 years … a pretty auspicious beginning’ said the Observer; ‘A star in the making … surely, Alexander is the next big name in mainstream jazz’, said Musician magazine. His band for this concert will, as usual, contain some of the cream of UK jazz talent.

Anthony has played on pop sessions for the likes Charlotte Church and Michael Bolton, and has appeared on various BBC, ITV and Channel 4 television shows including Top of The Pops, T4, GMTV and Friday Night With Jonathan Ross. Having graduated from the Guidlhall School of Music in 2008 he released his debut album ‘Guaranteed’ in 2009 to much critical acclaim. He has been continuously played and supported by Jazz FM and BBC radio London and is one of the true rising stars of the day. He has also played to a sell-out audience at the Dubai Jazz Festival.

Award winning guitar virtuoso Antonio Forcione performs songs from his new album ‘Sketches of Africa’. Together with dynamic Brazilian percussionist Adriano Adewale , the musical genius masterfully blends soul-jazz and flamenco guitar with African and Latin rhythms.

A strong, confident performer, Atila began singing at the age of 15 with local big band Young Jazz then in 2002 was invited to work with the UK National Youth Jazz Orchestra performing nationwide and overseas to great acclaim. In April 2006 Atila toured with the legendary Buddy Greco and earned a new fan in the process. Buddy and has since had the highlight appearances with the BBC Big Band at the 30th Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival, later broadcast on BBC Radio 2 Big Band Special. Autumn 2009 saw an invitation from the Nelson Riddle Foundation for Atila to perform in The Nelson Riddle Story in Asbury Park, New Jersey. Whilst in the US he also sang live on the Joey Reynolds Radio Show in New York. Early 2010 has seen Atila perform on the Alan Titchmarsh Television Show on ITV and at the Cheltenham Jazz Festival with the BBC Concert Orchestra and John Wilson Big Band, broadcast live on BBC Radio 2’s Friday Night is Music Night.

Drawing inspiration from Sarah Vaughan, Tommy McCook and Cole Porter, Ava has been busy over the last 12 months recording new material for her new album. You can expect to hear the sounds of Old Skool Jazz / Ska from the 40's-50's era.

http://soundcloud.com/ava-leigh

"Boogie woogie is alive and well! I saw him years ago and I thought he was great so I ended up playing with him and then he ended up playing at my wedding. He really is a great talent and someone to look out for. Do go and see him because he is terrific live."

Jools Holland Mojo Magazine

http://www.bigboybloater.com/

 ”One of the great bluesmen of our time”
Jools Holland, BBC Radio 2

“I love this band! Bloater is a phenomenal guitarist!”
Mark Lamarr, BBC Radio 2

“I love this guy. He has a voice that sounds like it’s been soaked in turpentine for the last decade!”
Craig Charles, BBC 6 Music

“The finest exponent of early r’n’b this country has ever produced.”
Now Dig This Magazine

“Big Boy Bloater is a big man with a big talent – he is a great front man and knows how to work an audience.”
Bill Smith, Blues In Britain

“The UK should be very proud to have six fine musicians of this standard – let alone in the same band.”
Manny Cummings, Blues & Roots USA

“The legend gets bigger and bigger. Big Boy Bloater and his band have consistently built an international reputation to the point which they can claim to be the leading exponents of Chicago Blues, Boogie and Rock n Roll”
Chris Woodford, Now Dig This Magazine

"The best blues group ever to emanate from these shores. You must see them. They are great."  Now Dig This

"Perhaps the finest set I have ever heard from a UK band..." Blues & Rhythm

“...one of the best British Blues bands ever.”

Juke Blues

Blue Harlem - the group I'm currently raving about. It's happy music that makes you want to dance! Highly recommended!"

Michael Parkinson BBC Radio 2

 Blue Harlem is guaranteed to get your adrenaline flowing with its brand of high energy big band swing and R&B that would have been equally at home at the Apollo or the Savoy in the 40's as it is today."

Tony Watson ‘Blues and Rhythm’ magazine

For nearly 15 years Blue Harlem has been regarded as one of the top swing/jump-blues bands on the London scene. They have become regular favourites at venues such as the world famous Ronnie Scott's, The100 Club, The Pigalle Club and Jitterbugs.

Blue Harlem launched the career of rising star Imelda May, and is now proud to feature the sensational vocalist Sophie Shaw. Blue Harlem is led by Al Nicholls on Tenor Sax and features Paul Eldridge on Piano, Sandy Burnett on Double Bass, Sam Brown on Drums, Gethin Liddington on trumpet and Horace Cardew on Baritone Sax.

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The UK has become home to many very fine ex-pat Cuban musicians.  Boisdale has brought together ten of the very finest to present this tribute to this world renowned musical institution.

The Buena Vista Social Club was a members club in Havana, Cuba that held dances and musical activities, becoming a popular location for musicians to meet and play during the 1940s. In the 1990s, nearly 50 years after the club was closed, it inspired a recording made by Cuban musician Juan de Marcos González and American guitarist Ry Cooder with traditional Cuban musicians, some of whom were veterans who had performed at the club during the height of its popularity.

The success of both the album and film sparked a revival of international interest in traditional Cuban music and Latin American music in general. Some of the Cuban performers later released well-received solo albums and recorded collaborations with international stars from different musical genres. The "Buena Vista Social Club" name became an umbrella term to describe these performances and releases, and has been likened to a brand label that encapsulates Cuba's "musical golden age" between the 1930s and 1950s.

Casey MacGill writes and performs music that swings. A classic Hollywood character in appearance and style, MacGill plays boogie-woogie, swing, and stride piano-Fats Waller meets Fats Domino. He croons, scats, blows a lyrical cornet, but his most unique instrumental voice is a 6-string tenor ukulele.

MacGill grew up in Southern California, studying with jazz greats Gary Foster, Warne Marsh, and Buddy Collette. His interest in vintage American music was kindled by cartoonist/musician Robert Armstrong, an alumni of R.Crumb's Cheap Suit Serenaders. As a member of "Spike Jones-ish" Rubber Band, Casey appeared on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. He has also appeared on the Gong Show, and in the feature film Frances, starring Jessica Lang. MacGill was featured in the Broadway show, Swing, contributing songs and arrangements to the score. Reviewing the show, critic Ben Brantley wrote, "Of the show's soloists, only Casey MacGill, the ukulele-strumming band leader, has the kind of shrugged-off charm one associates with being cool in the swing era."

Casey and his group, The Blue 4 Trio, have been popular at swing dances all over the US and Europe, recorded three cds, and perform regularly in Seattle, Washington, when not on the road.

Casey MacGill conveys"his deep knowledge of the swing music created in the earlier part of the 20th century. He sings, plays cornet, ukulele, and piano-practically all in the same moment-and is a walking discography of every possible recording artist from that era."

At this visit to Boisdale, Casey is looking forward to playing with his friends Pete Long, clarinetist supreme, bassman Jerome Davies and suave percussionist Richard Pite.

Charlie was a resident performer on Beale Street in Memphis for many years. His vocals and keyboard chops are incredible. Tonight he’ll be playing R&B classics such as Let’s Stay Together, Hit the Road Jack and Green Onions.

"Remember the first time you heard Dylan, or Springsteen, or Costello, or Waits? Charlie Wood delivers that same jolt."  

Jazz Times, January 2010

Boisdale is proud to present Cuban superstar Chucho Valdez – eight time Grammy award winner. He’ll be bringing his esteemed band, the eight piece Afro-Cuban Messengers for three nights of incredible music making.

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Yorkshire born Clare Teal is one of the most successful Female British jazz singers in decades with a string of albums behind her, including the UK National Top 20 hit "Don't Talk".

Clare is currently either on tour, making radio shows for BBC Radio 2, writing columns or in the studio promoting her brand new album, 'Hey Ho' released on May 8th. 2011 will be the busiest year yet for Clare, with UK dates galore and many festival appearances (including Glastonbury).

Singer/songwriter COUSIN ALICE creates a unique sound - gritty, sweet, and heartfelt, delivered with a shot or two of humour. Likened by one listener as "a cross between Tom Waits, Peggy Lee and Marianne Faithfull", Alice seduces audiences with her smokey voice, antique banjo-ukulele and battered array of musicians (the cream of London’s blues and jazzers), performing a collection of jazz standards, pop, nostalgia, original songs and the blues. Holding the crowd in the palm of her hand, be it a large music venue or intimate cabaret club, Cousin Alice is a magnetic performer.

Darius is Dave Brubeck’s eldest son and he has inherited his father’s talent for playing superb jazz piano. Darius will be performing music by his father as well as many of his own wonderful compositions and his very individual take on classics from the jazz repertory.

The talented drummer and singer presents his new project with a rendition of the music from Minas Gerais: the Brazilian region home of  the greatest artists such as Toninho Horta, Milton Nascimento, Beto Guedes, Lo Borges etc. Minas Gerais' music is famous for its beautiful harmony and melodies.

http://www.davidegiovannini.com/

Talented pianist Dorian Ford comes with a  new line up for the Songs trio with Steve Rose on bass and Winston Cclifford on Drums. They continue to find the inner life inside the melody and structure of a classic songs. The trio is dedicated to finding the sacred in the secular. 

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kin_rz3skSA

Singer Earl Thomas grew up in rural Tennessee, yearning to be a British rock ‘n’ roller. Musician Paddy Milner was raised in England, dreaming of becoming his own version of an American bluesman. Years later they would meet, realizing their soulful bond had transcended space and time. 

  “I always thought the blues was a collaborative art form,” said Thomas, whose rural upbringing was rooted in the blues and gospel traditions of the American South.  “When I got together with the guys in this band, I realized that the blues was universal.  It came from Africans, Europeans, indigenous Americans and Asians.  And it all came together on American soil, but the soul behind it is everywhere.”

Earl Thomas was looking for a band to back him on a European tour and found Milner ready and willing.  Milner & The Big Sounds was a perfect complement to Thomas’ soulful and incendiary vocals.   The Big Sounds include guitarists Randall Breneman and Marcus Bonfanti, bassist Scott Wiber and drummer Alex Reeves

“I think we as a band agree that the blues wants to evolve, and we strive to be leaders of that artistic evolution,” Thomas said. “We don’t want to go back over old ground. We create the blues that is contemporary but representative, not only of the cultural exchange that created the art form, but of the cultural exchange in today’s world.”

Widely commented as one of the most unique, unusual yet refreshing voices in jazz today,  she uses her voice to create a distinctive, instrumental approach to the music. She will give us a sneak preview of her new forthcoming album to be released in the autumn.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1b_KmGSVKQQ&context=C3753849ADOEgsToPDskKBFKlG3INeI4WyZpkOwNLy

Emma Smith

20 year old Emma Smith is headed straight for jazz stardom. Although still studying at the Royal Academy, she has already performed with some of the biggest names in jazz such as Sir John Dankworth, (who also was her teacher). Venues such as Ronnie Scott’s, the Vortex and The 606 have hosted her, now in demand, performances, not to mention various jazz festivals around the country. With influences from Ella Fitzgerald and Joni Mitchell and her vast performance experience, Emma is well set up to be an established jazz performer.

Twisted jazz

Combining modern jazz and contemporary covers, twisted jazz are the perfect background music in restaurants, clubs and special occasions. The vocal, guitar and bass trio provide a relaxed ambience to any lounge and add a groovy essence to an occasion.

www.ericranzoni.co.uk

Eric Ranzoni has been rocking Boisdale of Belgravia every Saturday night for the last four years.  He specialises in classic blues – the music of Muddy Waters, Ray Charles, Robert Johnson, Otis Span, John Lee Hooker, BB King, Fats Domino and many more.  He turns up the heat with his two handed (and one footed!) piano style a la Jerry Lee Lewis and  also pays tribute to Elvis and Chuck Berry and other giants of rock n roll.

Errol Linton remains one of London’s hidden treasures. The Brixton harmonica blaster, singer and songwriter has made a living playing his highly original and distinctive Brixton blues for two decades.

 Back in June Erroll released his third album Mama Said  on Ruby Records and he might just be about to receive the attention he deserves. The 12 songs on Mama Said distill Errol mercurial talent - both loving and acoustic and tough and electric. And as he sings of contemporary urban hassles then reflects on a child putting 10p in the gas meter Errol Linton draws a lyrical portrait of working class London life. ‘Mama Said’ is a tough blues based on all the things his mother used to say to him. ‘Hooked On Your Love’ is a love song to his wife, Maggie, a London bus driver for many years.

Songs like ‘Stressed Out’, a contemporary London blues about how modern life adds to our stress levels, should soundtrack any report on the recession and rising prices while the lyrical detail of ‘Roll On Tomorrow’, about growing up in Brixton’s Acre Lane as the child of Jamaican immigrants in the 70s, is worthy of Squeeze or The Kinks. ‘J.Y.’s’ is a nostalgic instrumental referring to a hill in Jamaica where his grandfather built the family’s home.  And finally, ‘Through My Veins’ is a song about his relationship with the city of London.

 www.myspace.com/errollinton

Fletch’s Brew is the latest creation of Mark Fletcher, one of England's most versatile and in demand drummers.

The Band comprises;

 Mark Fletcher: Well-known for his work with Liane Carroll and Ian Shaw, the 'Ronnie Scott Legacy Band', BBC Band, Ronnie Scott's Big Band .  Mark has been a regular at Ronnie Scott's since the late 1980's working with Dizzy Gillespie, Mark Murphy, James Moody, Tim Garland, Flora Purim, Norma Winstone, Georgie Fame, Ian Shaw, Cedar Walton, Kenny Wheeler and many more.

 Mornington Lockett: Currently working with Stan Tracey, Laurence Cottle, Sarah Jane Morris (ex-Communards) and recently US Hammond Organ legend Jimmy Smith. He came to national prominence as a part of the Ronnie Scott's sextet after cutting his teeth in Jim Mullen's seminal quartet of the late 1980's. His most recent project was a collaboration with late great drum master Martin Drew rediscovering the work of Tubby Hayes' and Ronnie Scott's "Jazz Couriers".

"One of the country's most accomplished contemporary improvisers . with a fearsome technique and an advanced harmonic approach"

Time Out

Jim Watson:  A globe-trotting keyboard wizard and piano improviser.
Jim has worked with a galaxy of stars including Charlie Watts, Chris Difford (Squeeze), Katie Melua, Bobby Watson, Clark Tracey, Alan Barnes, Marti Pellow, Peter King, Jean Toussaint, Brand New Heavies, Incognito, US3 and Jim Mullen.

 "A real piano player"

Georgie Fame

"One of the most talented pianists in the country"

606 club

Steve Pearce : A Hideaway Club regular with Tony O'Malley, Steve Pearce is one of the busiest bass-guitar session stars in the world. His career includes work with Van Morrison, Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Madonna , Elton John, Sting, George Michael, Bryan Ferry, Scott Walker, Tom Jones, Al Jarreau, Mark Knopfler, Annie Lennox, Diana Ross, Bob Geldof, Chrissie Hynde, Take That, Boyzone, The Three Degrees, Mick Hucknell, The Osmonds,  and Placiido Domingo

Critically acclaimed Saxophonist Frøy Aagre is known for her powerful compositions. Her distinctive quality lies in blurring the boundaries between the written and the improvised. The new duo project is a collaboration with Andreas Ulvo , one of the most talented Norwegian pianist.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vN2yas1sZ5E&feature=related

An explosive blend of Soul and Funk. Classic sound from the 60s, 70s and 80s performed by this dynamic eight piece band.  All killer and no filler.

A sweet set of  instrumentals from the Funky Muchachos which has a classic
soul jazz approach to their groove!  The  trio features drums, bass,
and organ and their guests are Paul Clarvis on percussion and  John Telfer on sax and flute.
The Muchachos' repertoire includes versions of "What's
Goin On", "The World Is A Ghetto", "Boogie On Reggae Woman", "Spooky",
and "Let's Stay Together"  plus "I'm Comin Home", "Don't Take It Out",
and "Donna's Way".

Rising star Gabrielle Ducomble is rapidly putting her sophisticated Gallic stamp on the London jazz scene. Technically gifted and artistically at home in styles ranging from contemporary jazz to French popular song, she has performed in many leading London nightspots in addition to touring and television appearances.

 Her debut jazz album “J’ai Deux Amours” released on MGP Records features Gabrielle’s own arrangements of American and French jazz standards with in collaboration some of Europe’s finest jazz musicians including Chris Garrick and Nicolas Meier.

 Born in Belgium, Gabrielle grew up in a musical environment and began singing at a young age. Following success in local and national singing competitions, she reached the final of the French “Pop Idol” in 2003. Signed to BMG Sony France, the resulting album went double gold.

Reviews;

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“Ducomble's voice has charm... with a slight vulnerability that adds emotional depth to the more romantic or melancholy songs...and her willingness to go beyond the standard vocal repertoire is to be applauded. ”Bruce Lindsay, All About Jazz

"Gabrielle sings with rare grace and elegance, whether in her native French or English, and her voice seems to just float in mid-air with the kind of ease and effortlessness that was rare even among the greats of the past. Just oozing sophistication, elegance and grace, beauty and charm, as well as full of drama and fascinating story telling, "J'ai Deux Amours" just about has it all."
Rainlore's Word of Music

The Diva of Jazz

Gill’s celebrated tribute to Nina Simone, Ella Fitzgerald and many more.

"MAGNIFICENT" ROBERT ELMS

"THE BEST SINGER IN LONDON" BBC RADIO LONDON

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GROOVE RAZORS

The London based singer Hannah Francis has  created a refreshing soul and R&B new sound which showcases her smooth sweet voice. A brilliant live performer, she will perform songs from her latest album “Means To An End”.

http://vimeo.com/24088181

Hayley Sanderson is one of the vocalists on Strictly Come Dancing and also performs regularly with the Pink Floyd tribute band Think Floyd on vocals and saxophone. You can hear her on the Talk Talk advert singing the song Something in the air which was also a UK chart entry for her.

Support act TBC

Jazz Salsa band Heads South combines Cuban and Latin rhythms in an exciting repertoire of original compositions and arrangements of classic tunes.

 The Quintet features top Jazz Trumpeter Steve Waterman, Cuban Percussionist Chino Martell Morgan, Uruguayan Bassist Andres Lafone and Drummer Buster Birch and is led by pianist composer John Harriman. The band recently launched its debut album "Record Flight"  to wide acclaim:

"Crisp, invigorating Latin Jazz..Waterman's mastery of this idiom suits Harriman's deceptively simple melodies to perfection" 

The Observer  

“Effervescent collection of Latin favorites and original compositions in the Cuban tradition with plenty of Jazz content from excellent players.."

JazzUK

“Seriously on-target musicianship..top-drawer talent” All About Jazz 

"Cool, cultured and exhilarating.. The start of something very special" The Musician.

For free music, video, photos and more information go to www.headssouth.com

Ray and Kai’s wonderful new show transports you back to the Vegas of the 50’s when Louis Prima and Keely Smith were the hottest act in town.  Big swingin’ fun.

Ray and Kai’s wonderful new show transports you back to the Vegas of the 50’s when Louis Prima and Keely Smith were the hottest act in town.  Big swingin’ fun.

“intricate, punchy and wholly contemporary-sounding funk/jazz/rock of the highest order “ The Independent

 Adding a vital post-rock sensibility to the jazz-funk grooves of the popular Ethio-Jazz music of the 70s, Imperial Tiger Orchestra has emerged on the live circuit as one of the most exciting non-Ethiopian bands around today, with the release of their highly-praised debut album Mercato.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvWb9vCvi34)

Florentine guitarist Jacopo Martini is undoubtedly one of the brightest stars of the Italian jazz contemporary scene. With two critically acclaimed albums to his name - “I Nuvoli” (2005) and “Il viaggio di Renata” - his music reflects his very personal view of jazz manouche.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HM2Yv6Qkfn4

Jeremy Sassoon is amazing - he has the voice, the piano chops and the drive and excitement of the great Brother Ray.  Last year he came to Boisdale Belgravia and was a sensation and we’re delighted to present him at Canary Wharf in a show combining the music of Ray Charles with soul and R&B classics from the last forty years.  Already one of the North West's most in-demand jazz pianists and bandleaders, Jeremy Sassoon solo career as a vocal artist goes from strength to strength with his distinctive style encompassing Jazz, Blues and Soul.

 http://www.jeremysassoon.co.uk/

The Jezebel Sextet

HOLY SMOKE! It’s the Jezebel Sextet playing super-heavy Hammond funk with powerhouse horns and a killer vintage sound. Featuring a classic line up of vocals, Hammond organ and horns, they play a hip shaking mix of funk 45s, original songs, and boogaloo. The result is a show steeped in raw soul and hard funk from the late 1960s that is guaranteed to get you on the good foot!

With 10 years experience on the live circuit, The Jezebel Sextet has toured with legendary funk singers such as Sir Joe Quarterman, Rev Chunky, and Randa and the Soul Kingdom, and played many of Europe's top venues such as the Jazz Cafe and Koko in London; Charada Club in Madrid; and Saint Paul Soul Jazz and Tighten Up festivals in France. They have been broadcast on BBC 6 music, and appeared twice on London’s LBC radio. They appear on Freestyle Records’ recent Fresh Out The Box compilation and release their debut album in 2011.

www.jezebelsextet.com

'The hottest funk band in town!'

DJ Healer Selecta

'Cool, slinky, and tight in all the right places'

Craig Charles Funk and Soul Show, BBC 6Music

The Jive Aces are renowned for their spectacular stage show and high-energy Jump Jive music, the exciting sound where Swing meets Rock n' Roll.

''They always draw a big crowd, and they put on one hell of a show.  These boys will swing your socks off!''

Simon Thorpe’s fabulous band features the hugely talented young singer Anjali Perin – we know you’re gonna love her – we do!

“Eight Musicians who are hell bent on just one thing – swing. Rhythm is their business”

Jazz Journal

The overwhelming response to Joanna Eden's self penned Album "My Open Eye" in 2007 led to some serious gigs-like supporting Jamie Cullum & the Buena vista social club. Joanna continues to amaze her audiences with her sultry smooth Latin jazz undertones.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xyo309hTCsk

“…a truly remarkable singer songwriter, not to mention outstanding piano player… I thank you for creating that most exciting of moments when, as a lover of good music, you know you have seen and heard something remarkable.” Sir Michael Parkinson

"Songs at the piano don’t get much sharper than this...Whether he’s performing his own material or reshaping an old favourite." *****  The Observer

“Revealing himself to be a powerful improviser with an instinctive gift for melody”
The Times

“More talent than you can shake a walking stick at”  David Finkle, Back Stage, New York

" Not since Oscar Peterson’s halcyon days have I heard a jazz piano player who could be compared to such a great artist in both technique and inspiration."
Sir John Dankworth

"Best New CD of the year...A very ear-catching singer...highly accomplished pianist...Extraordinarily enterprising, imaginative and articulate songwriter." *****
The Jazz Rag

"An impressive debut from a great talent" The Vortex CD Review

*****  Record Collector

"A sparkling pianist with technique to burn, Stilgoe is a warm-voiced, engaging singer too." *****  Hi-Fi News

"An impressive opening salvo by anyone's standards"  Jazzwise

"His piano playing is a cross between Oscar Peterson, Bill Evans and Les Dawson."
Ian Shaw

Julian plays clarinet, alto & tenor saxes and sings - but the clarinet is his passion and he is now recognised as the most stylish performer on the instrument in Europe.

He was voted 'Best Clarinettist' at the British Jazz Awards 2006.

The best clarinettest to emerge in British jazz for decades" - Sir John Dankworth.

Led by the Queen of Vintage Vocals Kai Hoffman, swingin’ retro band Kai’s Cats has a fabulous line-up of London’s hottest jazz players. Kai’s Cats combine a love of Louis Jordan, jumpin’ jive, 40s and 50s hipster slang and fashion into one swingin’ band. With numbers like Louis Jordan’s ‘There Ain’t Nobody Here But Us Chickens’ this band is guaranteed to get toes tappin’! MEEOW!!!

Kelly Dickson

With a mature, powerful and individual sound, Kelly Dickson has been on the jazz and funk scene since the age of 16. Her debut album ‘Vocal Point’ (2003) was recorded in New York and featured renowned saxophonist George Garzone, and pianist Nikki Iles. She was also spotted by Paul Weller’s drummer Steve White in 2005 and joined Steve’s soul group ‘The Players,’ She went on to tour with them across Europe as well as festivals closer to home such as Glastonbury.

Kenny will be performing his many hits that have made him Britain’s best-known black all-round entertainer. In a career spanning five decades this black cockney kid has come a long way - singer, songwriter, dancer, and actor, as well as a terrific comic.

From sell out jazz sets at Ronnie Scott’s to royalty at The Ritz, Kevin Fitzsimmons has long stood out from the crowd of Sinatra style crooners.  His terrific vocal panache combined with his easy grace and charm on stage have made him a favourite at concerts, clubs and at major international entertainment events (and he's picked up a few celebrity clients along the way too).  Tonight he’ll be performing a mixture of the much loved and the rarely heard from the Sinatra Songbook,  augmented by a superlative sextet drawn from the cream of London's jazz musicians.

"Wow he can really swing a song” – Birdland Jazz Club, New York

“Classy Crooner” – Time Out

“What a great voice!” - Sir Trevor Macdonald

“I am impressed” – Malcolm Laycock, BBC Radio 2 Big Band Presenter

“The Marvelous Kevin Fitzsimmons” – The Stage Newspaper

Rough, Tough and always Rocking, the legendary King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys' zany stage show sometimes belies the fact that here is the finest, most authentic Rhythm & Blues band ever to come from outside the USA.

KING PLEASURE & THE BISCUIT BOYS King Pleasure & the Biscuit Boys are more than just the world’s greatest swing band, they are an institution! The band have been on the road for two decades playing every European country as well as the USA and Russia and recording ten CDs. Dazzling musicianship, riveting stage performances, more than 50 TV appearances (including, somewhat bizarrely, five episodes of Teletubbies) and 75 radio broadcasts have established them as the Kings of Swing. Paul Jones on BBC Radio 2 called them “the hardest act to follow since the parting of The Red Sea”,

Lee Jones is a  Young talented Nu Jazz/Americana guitarist and composer. He has just released his second album “Songs from The 13th Hour” featuring US jazz-fusion guitarist Larry Coryell and saxophonist Jean Toussaint.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGA4OynH1Jc&list=UUjKZBKPyS-MWdNoysuyhy6A&feature=plcp

Swinging like hell one minute, brutally expressive and heart breakingly tender the next….utterly brilliant.   Time Out

So, you like Amy Winehouse, but want something jazzier? Liane Carroll fits the bill perfectly. A charmingly no-nonsense singer-pianist whose electrifying performances have become legendary.  She has wowed America and Europe and Boisdale are delighted to have her here at Canary Wharf in our inaugural month.

http://www.lianecarroll.co.uk

“Fletcher has heart, sensitivity and soul" John Fordham, The Guardian

Liz Fletcher has been the one and only singer to have had a residency at Boisdale of Belgravia for the last eleven years.  She has a beautiful voice with which she can swing hard and delicately caress a ballad.  Tonight, she pays tribute to the greatest female vocalist in jazz history, Ella Fitzgerald.

http://www.lizfletcher.com/

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Louise Clare Marshall is a wonderful singer/songwriter whose style is a fabulous blend of R&B, vocal jazz and soul.

She is currently a regular member of the Jools Holland Rhythm and Blues Orchestra and has performed alongside Jessie J, Cyndi Lauper, Beverley Knight, Michael Ball, Bryan Ferry, Tom Jones, Kylie and Robbie Williams to name but a few.

 "I've been fortunate to work with some of the greatest singers in the world. I can truthfully say that Louise Clare Marshall is one of these".  Jools Holland.

 "Listen and be hugely impressed", Andy Peebles, Smooth Radio.

 "Louise Marshall is as soulful as ever", Clive Davis, The Times.

Louise is one of the most exciting talents on the scene at the moment. She is a familiar face on the London Soul/Jazz live circuit and supported artists such as Omar, Vula (Basement Jaxx), Kele Le Roc and Krystal Warren and has performed extensively across London and beyond as well as playing regularly at renowned venues such as The Jazz Café and Ronnie Scotts. She recently performed at Wyld Pytch Record store in Soho (where her EP is now on sale) the Soundstage Event at The 02 Bubble and played at The London Jazz Festival 2009 opening night at the Barbican and is performing again in this year's festival at The Millbank Lounge on November 18th.  In 2010 she performed at ‘Live at the Roof Gardens’ as a support act but such is the quality and unbelievable rise in popularity Louise is now headlining a show. Last year Louise's track Same Old Same Old was Ras Kwame's tip of the week on The Homegrown show - along side Mercury Music Prize winner Speech Debelle. Subsequently Louise's tracks have been played regularly on BBC Radio 1, 1Xtra, 6Music, Jazz FM and Colourful Radio. She has also peformed at the world’s most famous festival, Glastonbury.

Matthew Ford is widely regarded as the finest big band singer in the UK.  Performing for 5 years with the multi-award winning Syd Lawrence Orchestra gave him the chance to develop and grow as a swing singer, and in 2006 Matthew was voted 'Best UK Male Big Band Vocalist' and nominated alongside Jamie Cullum in the Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Awards (Best UK Male Vocalist category).

As a soloist  Matthew makes regular appearances with the RTE and BBC Concert Orchestras, and has also worked with the Northern Sinfonia, City of Birmingham Symphony, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, Halle and Philharmonia Orchestras.  2010 saw Matthew invited to join the cast of ‘Singing in the Rain’ for the first ever concert performance of the original film score, reconstructed by John Wilson and performed at Festival Hall.

As a big band vocalist Matthew is always in demand, working with the BBC Big Band, Grammy nominated John Wilson Orchestra and many others including the Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra.

Matthew has been invited to perform for both domestic and international royalty, as well as for celebrity weddings and parties.

In 2009 Matthew made his ‘Friday Night is Music Night’ debut, and broadcast with the BBC Big Band for the 30th Anniversary of BBC Radio 2’s ‘Big Band Special’ programme.  His appearances with the RTE Concert Orchestra are regularly broadcast on RTE 1 and Lyric FM throughout Eire, whilst his album recordings have aired across the UK on Radio 2.

Matthew has released 4 albums under the independent label ‘Diving Duck Recordings’, the latest of which is a celebration of songs from 1960’s musicals, performed in his own style with a jazz trio.  Of the album, titled ‘Something Else’, BBC Radio 2 presenter Claire Martin said ‘this collection will I'm sure win many new fans for Matthew. He can most definitely count me in!’

"Matthew Ford has it all - the voice, the style and the personality which make him the 21st Century successor to the likes of Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett" late Malcolm Laycock BBC Radio 2

“..the biggest vocal talent this country has produced since Matt Monro....his voice is mesmerising.. ...he doesn’t just sing a song, he lives it” Sheila Tracy, Encore Magazine

With influences from Bonnie Raitt to Little Feat, Etta James to Bill Withers, Steely Dan, James Brown and Keb Mo, Midnight Train is a mix of Funk, Soul, Blues and R & B creating an uplifting and dynamic set, which appeals to a wide range of audiences. Accompaning Debbie's smooth, rich vocals are drummer Sam Kelly, voted British Blues Connection "Drummer of the Year" five years running, Steve Oakman on keyboards, Pete Emery; guitar and the funky bass of Chris Belshaw.

"Excellent vocals, good song choice, and very good band!" Tony Smith - Cranleigh Arts

"Very dynamic female vocalist!" The Horns - Watford

"clear, impassioned vocals". .... "nice to hear a band co-ordinate well, listening and responding to each other""disciplined and skilful musicians - "Blues in Britain

"delicious Debbie Giles & Midnight Train - some of the best names on the circuit!" - Philip Guy-David Famous Monday Blues

"Brilliant music - fantastic voice" - Hurtwood Polo Park & Country Club

"One of the best bands I have ever seen!" - Steve Matthews - William IV West Horsley 

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The best of the UK's independent, cool, niche up-and-coming talent every Monday.  Featuring brands such as Vintage Trouble with Ty Taylor, The fantastics and artists from the Feestyle records stable.

Brazilian singer-songwriter Mônica Vasconcelos, is a true phenomenon. With seven highly acclaimed albums, and a brilliant backing band, she is considered to be one of the finest purveyors of jazz-inflected samba and bossa nova this side of the Atlantic.

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Fifty years after Stranger on the Shore topped the charts Acker is still going strong and Boisdale is proud to present this legend of jazz and his wonderful band.

If you are looking for the REAL Chicago blues, then you need look no further.  Muddy Waters was the founder r of the Chicago electric blues sound and there is no one more capable of recreating that sound and image than his oldest son, Mud Morganfield.

This wonderful singer songwriter  presents moving songs from  her debut album out on Verve Records in June 2012.  She h soulful voice, a driving piano, and  powerful melodies

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JX_b1KU3GWY

Natalie Williams is one of the UK's leading soul-jazz stars.  At Boisdale she’ll be performing a mix of classic soul and jazz alongside her own superior and beautifully crafted original material.  A fantastic singer and a massive talent.

Versatile, vocally strong and beautiful are all the makings of a superstar and Nata

“One of the UK's hottest singers…she effortlessly moves from soul-diva to sensual and sophisticated jazz.” Time Out

Nathan Watson is known for his distinctly eclectic, fresh soul funk sound and has built up an impressive fan base across the UK through his live performances and a series of appearances at The Jazz Café, Dingwalls, The Troubadour, China White, the Blag Club and The Pigalle garnered rave reviews.  Nathan started his career as a rapper but he’s now moved on to become a highly regarded singer - he has recently been the opening act for soul divas Leela James & Jazmine Sullivan at the Jazz Café and for Rozalla at the Pizza on the Park.

His songs come across in a refreshingly clear way and once you’ve heard his themes on life and love, you’ll know he’s lived every word.

A wonderful, soulful singer whose beautiful personality exudes from every note that she sings and to whom you can't help warming. Her intonation, timing and tone are flawless and yet her singing is shot through with character and individuality.

Orli Nyles is a young singer pianist from Cheshire who recently has moved to London.  As music director at Boisdale I have to sift through a lot of recordings and I can usually tell within seconds whether an act is any good and will be right for us.  When I heard Orli's music I was entranced and her CD didn't leave my player for days.  She has a beguiling voice which reminds me of the wonderful Rickie Lee Jones and she accompanies herself with tasteful piano and the backing of her excellent band.  Highly recommended.

Richard Pite

One of the most iconic American singers of the last century, influencing a generation of vocalists, Peggy Lee enthralled listeners with her ‘electric blue voice’. Sarah Moule revisits Lee’s signature songs such as Black Coffee, Fever, Why Don’t You Do Right? and I’m A Woman.   Jazz FM said of Sarah  “When tackling the work of Peggy Lee something of the spirit of Peggy does seem to come over her. It’s slightly spooky...but in a very good way’.

Take seven musicians from the Ronnie Scott Big Band, unplug their instruments, turn their amps off, lock the drum kit in the cupboard, swap their high heel sneekers for hush puppies, and get them to play the best in contemporary soul, R'n'B, jazz and classic pop.  "You mean I can enjoy the music I love and still talk to everyone at my table without raising my voice?"  Yup - incredible but true!

Boisdale has a strong affiliation with Cuba and a love of Cuban music and culture.  Over the last decade Boisdale brought over many fine Cuban musicians and regularly featured top Cuban musicians based in the UK.  The brilliant Cuban violinist Omar Puente has been involved with Boisdale since 2000 when he guested with the legendary Taicuba (resident at the Floridita, Havana since 1948!). We are delighted to present Omar for the first time at Canary Wharf.  He will be performing with Raices Cubanas -an exciting ensemble that blends traditional Cuban sounds with the influences that the musicians have absorbed in working in Europe and alongside European jazz musicians.

The hardest working man in show business makes his Boisdale Canary Wharf debut and it’s guaranteed to raise the roof.

Take the soul of the man and sprinkle with a touch of blues, add a touch of gospel seasoned with R&B and serve with one of the tightest bands in town.

Reuben and his amazing band have been performing every Friday at Boisdale of Belgravia for the last two years and they never fail to wow the crowd.  A fantastic singer redolent of Otis Redding at his very best.

Reuben Richards…What can I say?  This guy has got it, there’s no doubt about it. 

Blues in Britain

"It gets no better than "Firewalker" by The Root Source...Andrew Fairclough is a modern day Brian Auger with his tough, gritty Hammond playing and fusion Herbie Hancock type Rhodes playing" 9/10

Blues and Soul Magazine

Leave your preconceptions at home,' begins one London critic's assessment of sensual singer-songwriter Sarah Jane Morris, who straddles rock, blues, jazz and soul with a goosebump-raising four octave range that rumbles from the heels of her size eight shoes to the tips of her flame-red mane.

Famed for her association with The Communards in the mid-80s and infamous for a banned rendition of the classic Me and Mrs Jones, Sarah Jane Morris has always attracted as much attention for her politics as for her soul-driven, seismic voice. Nine solo albums later, pop stardom on the continent, and a diverse set of musical collaborations on record, film and stage, Morris continues to steer her unorthodox career to greater heights.

The beautiful and sensual player of the sax and a whole new dimesion to its evolution.

Sharlene Hector is a singer/songwriter originally from Slough who has been part of the London music scene since 1999. Growing up, she was always passionate about music and started singing in church at a very young age. In fact, by the age of 10 she had already decided that she wanted to be a professional singer when she grew up. Through her teenage years she continued to grow in experience and gained much inspiration from singing in church and choirs, until she landed her first major session job recording backing vocals for Jamie Bell, who would later go on to join the UK  boyband One True Voice.

 A variety of different session jobs started to roll in and after a brief flirtation with office work, Sharlene got a call to join Basement Jaxx in 2001. Touring with them took her all around the world over the next 8 years including a headline gig at Glastonbury, as well as playing to hundreds of thousands of fans at V Festival and the Big Day Out in Australia & New Zealand.

 In 2003 Sharlene flew to South Africa to play the principal role in Coca-Cola's “I Wish” TV commercial. Her voice, singing a Nina Simone song, is known world-wide and the commercial is still Coca-Cola’s most successful ad campaign to date.

The Legends of Soul

FEATURING STEPHEN TRIFFITT AND HIS 17 PIECE ORCHESTRA

Following 2 years in Las Vegas and 6 years as Frank Sinatra in the Rat Pack Live From Las Vegas, Stephen Triffitt steps into the shoes of the musical legend that is Sinatra once more, this time in his own show entitled Sinatra Live at the Sands

He really does sound exactly like Frank Sinatra
The Guardian UK

Stephen Triffitt embodies Sinatra’s assurance of craft and style and his resemblance is uncanny. Having made a career playing Sinatra, Triffitt nails the phrasing, timing and tone with utter confidence.
Frank Rizzo, Variety

Mitch has been a businessman, salesman and latterly a London cabbie. Then his daughter Amy began persuading him to record and now he has a thriving singing career of his own. He’ll be paying homage to Frank – delving into the rarely heard alongside the well loved classics He’ll also be tipping his hat to the other great singers of the Sinatra era.

Skip McDonald, A.K.A Little Axe, is an American Blues musician, also steeped in the heritage and sounds of jazz, doo wop and gospel. Once, a member of the house band for Sugarhill Records he appeared as guitarist on many early rap albums, including The Message by Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five. His performances are soaked in Blues and jazz and are truly captivating.

With support from Carmen Zgouras

“Her authentic, graceful voice is full of emotion. Her songs are packed with beautiful lyrics and forgotten melodies that are as honest and alluring as her sound. Performing and reviving songs with classical pianist and film composer Aphrodite Raickopoulou, a most distinctive sound emerges from the Great American Songbook. This fusion of classical and jazz is pure quality with class and soul.”

Fiery, hard driving, up tempo, authentic Afro Cuban Jazz.

Critically acclaimed percussionist Snowboy has been on of the main cornerstones of the British and European Latin Jazz scene for over 15 years.  The band is a 'dream team' comprising the finest Jazz and Latin musicians based in the U.K.

http://www.thesoulimmigrants.com/fr_home.cfm

The Soul Immigrants, formed in 1992, make original, intelligent jazzy deep funk groove and feature.the consummate frontman and all round entertainer  Emrys Baird . This six piece are real funk masters  with the grittiest of horn sections and vocals to die for! This is retro, feel good music - unadshamedly yesterday’s sounds for today!

Lee Tyler Editor of Blues & Soul Magazine

Emrys Baird Guitar Vcls
Davide Bouet Drums
Ian Bailey Sax
Lady Dee Sax
Stu Ross Keys
Al Gibson Bass

This outfit can cruise through playing a varied repertoire of songs, ranging from originals that sound like old soul-funk classics to other more luscious grooves including Latin and Afrobeat…………Solar Radio FM

Soul Immigrants continue to mine a musical playing field that pays homage to the past masters of soul, funk andJazz It's all ground that's been covered before, but the Immigrants do it so well and with such style,that it's still worth a tumble.
  Paul Pace,Promoter @ Ronnie Scotts

Incredible.  These artists are the preservers of the classic 'Blue Note' Hard Bop/Be Bop sound of the 1960's.

TJ Johnson is widely considered to be one of the UK’s most charismatic highly revered jazz and blues singers. He is also a hot piano player, drummer and a respected bandleader. Always a true ambassador of the soul, TJ sings songs of love lost and gained, of life wholesome and corrupt, songs of hope and despair, songs of the night, all with the true passion and boozy swagger of only a man who has been there and knows.

‘Spicy modern day jazz’ (The Independent)

‘A Barnstorming outfit driven by youthful enthusiasm’ (Jazz UK)

One of the most popular on the scene…playing music that goes into warmer and more exotic realms’ (Humphrey Lyttelton – Radio 2)

Lady Jay and her band present the songs made famous by one of the greatest singers in the history of jazz.

Wow!  We've seen a few Blues Brothers tribute shows in the past but  The Bogus Blues Brothers just blew us away.  From the same people that brought Boisdale a spectacular night of Steely Dan classics back in July we are proud to present the best Jake and Elwood in the business and their sizzling backing band.

All the classic tunes from the great 1980 movie will be featured - Gimme Some Lovin' , Soul Man, Flip Flop Fly and, of course, The Blues Brothers anthem Everybody Needs Somebody To Love.  The hottest November night in the city you'll have ever experienced.

Back in August we booked Shenton Dixon's show The Legends of Soul.  He amazed us with his tributes to Stevie Wonder, Barry White and George Benson and gave us a wonderful evening's entertainment.  When he mentioned that he also had a tribute show to The Drifters we jumped at the chance to book it and we're delighted to have this fantastic entertainer back at Canary Wharf.

Richard Pite - Boisdale Director of Music

The Boardwalk Drifters are one of the most impressive Drifters tribute shows on the circuit.  This immaculate presentation is full of hits from the original Drifters taking you back in time to “Saturday Night At The Movies”, “Come On Over To My Place” and “Kissing In The Back Row” and of course “Under The Boardwalk”  - just a few of the chart topping songs you will hear this evening.

With outstanding vocals and excellently choreographed movements from this ultra slick vocal harmony group they  ease their way through an impressive selection of hits with faultless precision. Besides all of the great Drifters hits Shenton tells us there will be also plenty of  songs associated with many other great black vocal groups of the period.  This will be one of the highlights of the year.

The house band (formed from a pool of over 100 of London’s finest musicians) & their guests play great classic jazz from the 30s to the 60s recreating the unique atmosphere of New York’s famous 52nd Street in its heyday.

Jools Holland’s sax star Phil Veacock leads this groovy Hammond organ trio. Classy movie music (From Russia with Love) Hot, buttered soul (My Girl) Jazzy Lounge Sounds (Night Train) and much, much more.

The Discovery Show is a first in jazz radio history. The Discovery Show will be recorded every Wednesday night at Boisdale of Canary Wharf and will be broadcast on Jazz FM every Tuesday night at 8pm. The show will comprise two unknown jazz acts that in the opinion of Jazz FM merit discovery by the British jazz loving public.  Jools Holland, Patron of Music for Boisdale of Canary Wharf, will present the bands on this first night. The Discovery Show is sponsored by Aberdeen Asset Management, who are passionate about discovery and is supported by Singleton of Dufftown single malt Scottish whisky, a mellow and perfectly balanced dram, naturally rich and exceptionally smooth that perfectly accompanies great jazz and blues. 

The Fantasics!

A sweet set of  instrumentals from the Funky Muchachos which has a classic
soul jazz approach to their groove!  The  trio features drums, bass,
and organ and their guests are Paul Clarvis on percussion and  John Telfer on sax and flute.
The Muchachos' repertoire includes versions of "What's
Goin On", "The World Is A Ghetto", "Boogie On Reggae Woman", "Spooky",
and "Let's Stay Together"  plus "I'm Comin Home", "Don't Take It Out",
and "Donna's Way".

The swinging music of Django Reinhardt and Stephan Grappelli presented by violinists Mike Piggott and Andy Aitcheson.  They're accompanied by Django stylist Nils Solberg and Grappelli's one time guitarist Jeff Green.

"Wow he can really swing a song” – Birdland Jazz Club, New York

A night of American Songbook gems made famous by Bennett, Buble & Co as well as music from legends Al Jarreau and Sting with a world class band.

Django, England's Carol (God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen), Bluesology, Milano, The Queen's Fancy, Bag's Groove...... The Modern Jazz Quartet's list of famous titles goes on and on, but few are currently heard live.  That's going to be put to rights tonight when we offer all these and more from their fantastic and soulful output.

Mike Garrick:  Piano

Jim Hart : Vibes

Matt Ridley : Double Bass

Steve Brown: Drums

Featuring Enrico Tomasso, Keith Nichols and Thomas “Spats” Langham and the Boisdale Blue Rhythm Band.

Enrico Tomasso is one of the UK’s greatest trumpeters.  Equally at home in vintage or modern jazz he is also a superb Louis Armstrong stylist capturing the passion and excitement of Satchmo’s soloing.  He is joined by BBC Jazz Heritage award winner and our greatest exponent of Fats Waller style Keith Nichols and guitarist/singer Tom “Spats” Langham.

Boisdale is proud to present the London debut  of  Jeremy Sassoon's fantastic 11-piece orchestra dedicated to the music of f Ray Charles. Jeremy has been wowing Boisdale audiences every 2 months but we just couldn’t resist the opportunity to stage this exciting musical spectacular.  An all-star line up will include a four piece horn section, three backing singers and the tightest of rhythm sections supporting  Jeremy’s rootsy, soulful vocals and bluesy piano playing. This will be a special night.  Brother Ray's greatest hits will include Georgia, What I’d Say, Hallelujah I Love Her So, Unchain my Heart , Hit the Road Jack and many more.  Unmissable.

http://www.jeremysassoon.co.uk/

Jeremy Sassoon is amazing.  The closest thing to Ray Charles we have in the UK.  He has the voice, the piano chops and the drive and excitement of the great Brother Ray.  Last year he came to Boisdale Belgravia and was a sensation and we’re delighted to present him at Canary Wharf.

"The Reelers are a new breed; performing what they like to refer to as 'Jump' music. The genre is a melting pot of influences and energy from styles such as 'Rock 'n' Roll, Rockabilly, Blues, Soul, R&B, Indie & punk'. The Reelers are a rare refreshing gem in the modern music market; the music industry is going mad for them right now.. and so will you!" - Q Magazine

Full of energy, this dynamic band specialise entertaining their audience, playing the best in funk and soul.

This phenomenal 7 piece Latin rock explosion continues to amaze fans wherever they present their celebration of the music of the legendary Carlos Santana. Black Magic Woman, Evil Ways, Oyo Como Va, Samba Pa Ti, She’s Not There and much more

"one of the brightest stars on Britain's contemporary jazz scene. " The Daily Telegraph

 2012 sees the release of YolanDa Brown’s eagerly anticipated debut album: ‘April Showers, May Flowers’. Double Mobo Award Winning Saxophonist is widely regarded as the emerging voice of mainstream Jazz and one of the most exciting performers today.