Beth Rowley, Jazz Pizza Express, Soho

Beth Rowley is a beauty: gorgeous figure and pretty face hiding behind enviously big blonde curly hair. She looked radiant when performing for two nights at the candlelit Pizza Express Jazz Club on Dean Street in Soho.

After securing our table downstairs in the jazz saloon we went upstairs to eat, the place was packed with keen fans. Beth Rowley, who herself mentioned many influences, has inspired me personally with my singing. I often sing her 'Nobody's Fault but Mine' with my little band, though our version is much more melancholic. It was lovely to hear Beth in her full glory singing it live, in fact she began the whole evening with it... the rendition was vibrant, upbeat and with the electric bass and drums, charismatically soulful.

The evening was split into two sets, for which she wore different, equally exquisite red frocks, something she mentioned was unusually showbiz for her. Accompanied by a musically sharp but small band (of guitar, bass and drums) the sound was perfectly balanced and projected well in the venue. Beth performed an eclectic mix of songs - some tracks from her new album (released next year) and other well known tunes by her favourite artists, but adapted uniquely to suit her style. There is no way to pigeonhole this singer, her music shows the influence of soul, blues, jazz, Americana and folk. I particularly love her adaptations of negro spirituals; she embellishes the melodies freely and artistically while injecting real passion into the words.

Speaking onstage, she was hesistant and timid and reminded me of a little girl, glancing over at her manager and father for reassurance (she introduced them both to us). At times it was almost awkward to behold and I was surprised considering her successful status. In the second half she loosened up and became more personable, communicating more openly with her eager audience, it was all more relaxed.

Pizza and Jazz is an undeniably good combination; Beth Rowley makes it even better. Already recognised as a jazz singer on the rise, I believe there is still a lot more to discover from this talented girl.

Visit Beth Rowley's website here.

Beats and Pieces and Kairos 4tet at Ronnie Scott's at BRIT JAZZ FEST

It seems the big festival fever is over, with smaller, more specialised events cropping up all over the place, presenting every kind of cultural activity. Musically the capital is buzzing at the moment with the BBC Proms underway, and many musicians from far and wide coming to showcase their talents to the London audiences. A highlight of these summer events is the Ronnie Scott’s Brit Jazz Fest 2011, a mini festival with a thrilling programme of talented and renowned jazz soloists and bands and celebrates the very best of British Jazz.

Ronnie Scott’s venue needs no recommendation as I’m sure most will already know this haunt to be one of the most significant and unique places to listen to Jazz in London. Interestingly when the club first opened in 1959 Ronnie Scott and Pete King were only permitted to book British artists due to a strict MU Ruling. This mini festival pays tribute to that time presenting a diverse selection of exceptional artists covering all aspects of jazz.

Now in its third year this year’s festival looks set to be as oversubscribed as ever, but a few tickets do remain. I was lucky enough to have a ticket to a show last week featuring a double bill: BEATS AND PIECES + KAIROS 4TET. Based in Manchester, Beats and Pieces are a 14 strong contemporary jazz ensemble led by Ben Cottrall. Indeed a few members even attended University with me so I felt very proud to be supporting them in this prestigious venue. The immense sound that these fourteen musicians make was overwhelming in the intimate Ronnie Scott’s venue - you couldn’t help but feel totally engrossing in the music. It is clear too that these guys love what they do, all dancing along with their heads and showing 100% passion and commitment to the music. Individually they are supreme soloists, with some staggering solos from trumpeter Nick Walters and some genius twists and turns on the piano from Patrick Hurley. Featuring some of their own work, and a few adventurous covers, I found their set very easy to listen to and stimulating, which I can’t always say with contemporary jazz.

Playing opposite Beats and Pieces was the Kairos 4tet, a contemporary music quartet comprising of leader saxophonist, Adam Waldman, pianist Ivo Neame, bassist Jasper Høiby and drummer Jon Scott plus a very special guest, London-based, Swedish singer Emilia Martensson. Kairos 4tet who produce inspiring melodic, rhythmically compelling modern jazz. Again made up of technically brilliant soloists, I was particularly impressed by Høiby on bass, I have often heard of this mesmerizing playing so was glad to be finally experiencing it first hand. The singer du jour, Martensson did a wonderful job responding sensitively to the band and sung with a spine tingling tone and melodic awareness. The music of Kairos 4tet was rather more specialist, and felt, at times, a little beyond my knowledge and understanding of this kind of jazz. The rest of the audience seemed totally in tune with the genre clapping in all the right places, and nodding their heads in appreciation.

Ronnie Scott’s is one of my very favourite venues in London, with delicious (but very expensive) cocktails, a relaxed charming ambience and consistently brilliantly performers, I would highly recommend booking to go to see something in their ever simulating and exciting programme. Book here.

Sing for your Supper at Zizzi

I must congratulate Zizzi restaurant for quite simply getting it right. This popular Italian chain have opened a stunning new branch in St Giles Plaza (near Tottenham Court Road) and it conquers the surrounding eateries hands down. The venue that boasts artwork by promising artist Camille Rousseau, is quite unique in its design. I particularly love the wall decoration leading the way downstairs to the toilets, twisted branches romantically depicted and painted by hand.

The real selling point of this restaurant though is the fantastic new jazz night every Thursday... ‘Sing for your Supper’, raising money for the Prince's Trust. The night is led by charismatic musician Becki Biggins and the Laurie Holloway Trio, and every week diners are invited up to sing (from a list of about eight songs). If you sing, your supper is on the house – what could be better than that? With the recent closure of Pizza on the Park, and Jazz Pizza Express always in demand, it seems bizarre that no-one else has thought of this brilliant idea. Not only does it encourage young talented musicians, but also provides those eating at Zizzi’s a wonderful soundtrack to their meal.

The Launch of Sing for your Supper and Zizzi, St Giles took place last week, with pretty pink Prosecco and hot canapés on offer to all the guests. Becki was there, looking just the part in a sparkly gold number. I couldn’t stay for long, but was so impressed with every aspect of the restaurant and concept that I promised myself I would return.

And so I went to Zizzi, St Giles a second night to eat, and can honestly say it was scrumptious. The food is fabulously fresh and full of flavour, and I realised I was scraping up every last crumb despite the very generous portions.

To start we ate:

TRICOLORE 5.15

Our salute to the Italian flag: buffalo mozzarella,

fresh baby plum tomatoes and avocado with

fresh basil

CROSTINI FORMAGGIO DI CAPRA 4.75

Light, crisp ciabatta topped with goats’ cheese

and oven-baked with balsamic onions. Served with

mixed leaves in a honey mustard dressing

For mains:

AUBERGINE PARMIGIANA 9.25

Aubergine in a rich tomato sauce oven-baked with

mozzarella and a big sprinkling of Grana Padano

cheese. Served with a mixed salad

CARNE PICCANTE 9.25

Chicken, meatballs and Bolognese, with

mushrooms, chilli, mozzarella, and tomato.

Served with a mixed salad

And for dessert:

TORTA CIOCCOLATA 4.95

Thick, crisp hazelnut and chocolate base topped

with a rich chocolate torte. Served with vanilla

mascarpone

PANNACOTTA 4.95

A northern Italian speciality, our creamy vanilla

pannacotta is served with a fruit compote

All the food was excellent, and I can honestly say that Zizzi’s is now rivalling Pizza Express in my heart. I have included all the information above, so you can see what good value the food is.

The starters are wonderfully presented, no fuss, just good quality ingredients creating some of Italy’s favourite dishes. Mains are sublime in flavour and taste and my aubergine dish filled me up without making me feel bloated. The fact that I managed to fit in any dessert at all is a compliment to the standard of Zizzi’s puddings. I particularly loved the pannacotta, light but creamy with a subtle hint of vanilla.

Most of all though I found the service at this restaurant faultless. Friendly and yet discreet, I felt well looked after but not smothered as is often the case. Specials are given and extra condiments suggested at each course. I must also mention the complimentary homemade Zizzi ice-cream that came to our table with desserts (yes we looked like greedy pigs!) Two balls each of the most delicious gelati – strawberry, chocolate, creamy vanilla, and best of all a nutty pistachio.

You must visit this branch of Zizzi’s, try to go on a Thursday when the restaurant is transformed into a jazz soiree, with lucky hopefuls singing for their supper. I will be there singing a number on Thursday 23rd December, so come down and cheer me on, I may even give you a slice of my pizza in return.

Visit the Zizzi website here.

500 exclusive Zizzi goodie bags are on sale now for £6, with all the proceeds go to The Princes Trust.

BECKI BIGGINS at The Bull's Head

Becki Biggins is a multi-talented musician and singer songwriter. I know her best as a wonderful teacher.

Becki has been Grammy nominated and won the 2009 American Billboard ‘Best Smooth Jazz Artist’ Award with Paul Hardcastle, and the ‘Best Newcomer’ Award at the 2008 Marlborough International Jazz Festival.

The Bull’s Head Pub in Barnes is lucky enough to have Becki once every couple of months, performing classic jazz numbers with her band. I have been along to several of these occasions, to listen, have a drink, and meet up with friends. It is great fun and a lovely way to spend an evening.

This Wednesday 22 September you have the chance to go too. Doors open at 8 pm and tickets are £10 on the night.

Check out Becki's website here.

Some singing and The Word magazine

It is awful that it has taken me until now to put something on this blog about my singing. Even now my lack of IT skills are preventing me from actually managing to put the tracks straight on here - so if anyone knows how, please share the knowledge!

A few weeks ago, at a delightful summer BBQ, I recorded a few songs with my irrepressible friend, Mark Ellen. It was a lovely sunny day and as we sat drinking Corona in the garden, it seemed like the perfect idea to sing through a few light jazz numbers.

Listen to our tracks, Summertime and Dream a Little Dream here. An exciting collaboration and hopefully the start of many exciting songs to come, so watch this space.

I thought I'd take this opportunity also to introduce you to The Word magazine. As a musician and music lover I was embarrassed that I didn't know more about this exciting and informative magazine. It covers the best of the current music scene as well as looking back and exploring some of the greats. The articles are about REAL music rather than obsessing about the celebrity aspect of the business as many music mags do. Often they include a free CD too, with a carefully selected playlist.