Angie King Jazz Singer

www.angiekingsinger.com

Angela KING: I TOLD YOU SO
Angela KING: Vocals
Martin KERSHAW: Saxophone
Brian KELLOCK: piano
Kenny ELLIS: bass
Tom GORDON: drums

She’s breezy and bright, but she’s ready to tell you how it is. And when she says “you”, she means “YOU”. Angie King’s got that way of delivering a song that makes listeners feel it’s just for them. It doesn’t matter whether the subject is intimate, corrective or a bit of chit-chat, the singer’s only got you in mind. It’s all about communication and that’s what Angie does. With I Told You So we’re invited to be friends with one of the most easy-going and likeable ladies in the music business. Always ready to share a glass of wine or a good coffee, when you sit down with Angie, she makes you feel instantly at ease. Conversation is always comfortable. So it is with her singing on this new CD.

I Told You So is an apt title for a singer who has honed her craft on stages of all descriptions, singing in a range of styles and settings. She’s always had to sing what other people wanted her to sing, and she’s always made the best of every situation. But she’s had to keep to herself what she thought she was capable of, and watch others with less talent have their moments in the spotlight. Given the chance by Edinburgh Jazz Festival to form a new group, she picked the musicians she knew fitted her ideal, and put together a set of favourite tunes. This is her calling card; and for listeners hearing Angie for the first time, there’s the thrill of hearing her honesty and warmth burnishing a really great voice – big range, spot-on intonation, timing, musicality, she’s got the lot, and most importantly, she’s a risk taker. Even in the controlled environment of the studio, you can hear her shooting for notes and musical ideas that would spell danger for many. That’s what makes her stand apart as a top jazz singer.

The repertoire might be relatively unfamiliar even for seasoned jazz vocal listeners. Angie’s picked out a set that suits her swinging and sometimes soulful leanings and she’s keen to identify with the words. It means she can sing with sincerity and really get inside the meaning. Scottish saxophonist, Duncan Lamont’s title tune has never been sung better.

This might be a new band, but in classic Angie-style, it feels like they’ve been friends for ever. The ease and enjoyment that oozes from the band, comes from musicians who recognise the singer as a colleague, rather than as a star they’re backing. Angie knows the music inside out and she gives everyone space to express themselves. Saxophonist, Martin Kershaw’s contribution is immense. He makes every break and solo count, constantly creating afresh to match the moment. Brian Kellock, a giant of the Scottish jazz scene, is also heard to brilliant effect, containing his expansive style into succinct but always thrilling statements, and supporting Angie with grace and power, as appropriate.

Angie King was born Dublin, and brought up in Manchester, but has lived in Fife in Scotland for more than a decade. She loved Gladys Knight and Doris Day when she was young, but it was hearing Ella Fitzgerald that got her into jazz singing, and gradually turned he career from dancing to singing. She’s worked as a professional singer all of her life, playing working men’s clubs in the North of England for over a decade, and gracing hotel stages, big functions, parties and weddings all over the UK. It’s only in the last three or four years that she’s started to be recognised for what she is – one of the best jazz singers in the UK.

More info on www.angiekingsinger.com