MAIN STAGE - FRIDAY 31 MARCH, 7 PM
Eloquent and provocative singer-songwriter, Zara McFarlane, is the UK’s foremost female black Jazz vocalist. With 2 critically acclaimed albums to her name, the lyrically conscious songwriter has been recognised with a Best Jazz MOBO Award in 2014, an Urban Music Award for Best Jazz Act 2015 and a Jazz FM Award Vocalist of the Year award in 2015.
McFarlane’s self-produced EP, Until Tomorrow, in 2010 caught the attention of Gilles Peterson who released her more traditional debut album, Until Tomorrow, and the more lyrically conscious sophomore album, If You Knew Her, on his label Brownswood Recordings. Many of her tunes possess a power and underlying spirituality reminiscent of the ‘spiritual jazz’ movement of 70’s black America. With a voice that has been described as ‘a caressing voice of sparkling clarity,’ and ‘vocally akin to early Nina Simone and Roberta Flack’, McFarlane’s music is uniquely engaging, deftly combining the intricacies of jazz with a deep soulfulness, melding multiple influences from reggae to pop, folk and blues.
London-based saxophonist and composer, Nubya Garcia, is one of the leading forces behind the resurgence of jazz-influenced sounds in the UK.
Garcia’s brand of afro-tinged jazz has made her a key component in a string of new and established groups: from work with MOBO Award-winning drummer, Moses Boyd, legendary jungle producer and toaster, Congo Natty, through to her own works as part of six-piece, Maisha, and the Nerija septet.
Spring 2017 will see her release her first solo project via forward-thinking imprint, Jazz Refreshed. The project — which explores the common ground between progressive jazz, hip hop and soulful, groove led rhythms — is set to cement her credentials as one of hardest working ladies in UK music.
On Friday 31 March, catch the amazing Zara McFarlane Band feat. Nubya Garcia and MC Earl Zinger LIVE at the #SingJazz2017 Main Stage alongside superstar DJ Gilles Peterson!
* set timings subject to change