The Journey

I grew up in a family where music was always present in the background. We had a piano from when I was about eight, and I was immediately drawn to it. My grandfather and uncle were both pianists, and although I didn’t see them often, there was a clear sense that music ran through that side of the family.

My father was Scottish and played the bagpipes, staying closely connected to his Celtic heritage. On my mother’s side, who was born in Fiji, music was more informal but equally important. My grandmother sang, and there were stories of family gatherings filled with ukulele and island songs. We also occasionally had visitors from the Pacific Islands who would bring music into the home. Without realising it at the time, I was absorbing a mix of Celtic, Pacific and piano traditions that shaped my ear early on.

I’d always loved the piano so when I heard Keith Jarrett’s The Köln Concert. I was captivated by the freedom and feeling in his playing,

Nina Simone was one of the people who drew me towards singing . Listening to her felt cathartic: there was such depth of feeling in her voice, and I wanted to express something of that in my myself , even just a little. As a contralto, I was drawn to her rich, low voice. I could just about sing along.

I was lucky enough to see her perform at Ronnie Scott’s while I was working there briefly as a waitress in the 1980s. Seeing her in her element, live, was deeply inspiring.

The story Unfolds..

After a short break from performing, I returned to the stage with renewed focus. I now perform regularly at venues including PizzaExpress Live at The Pheasantry, and I host Platform 4, a showcase that gives singers the opportunity to perform with some of the UK’s leading jazz musicians.

Alongside jazz, I perform with The SoulTrippers, an eleven-piece band specialising in Motown, Philadelphia soul, funk and classic soul. It’s a very different energy from jazz and one I really enjoy.

Teaching is also an important part of my work. I enjoy helping singers develop their own voice, confidence and individuality, rather than trying to fit a fixed idea of what they “should” sound like.

My career has never followed a straight line, and I think that has been its strength. From early piano playing, to discovering my voice through Nina Simone’s influence, to jazz, soul, teaching and performing, curiosity and emotional honesty have always guided me.

I first came across jazz in my teens, but it wasn’t until my late twenties, after working in a variety of jobs, that I decided to pursue music seriously. I studied singing at Leeds College of Music, which opened up a much deeper understanding of music and performance.

After graduating, I travelled and performed internationally with my then partner. I sang and played piano, while he played saxophone, performing a wide repertoire from jazz standards to popular songs. It was a formative period that taught me how to connect with audiences in very different settings.

I eventually returned to England to establish myself on the London jazz scene, where I have since performed regularly, recorded several albums and appeared at many leading jazz venues, including Ronnie Scott’s, The Bulls Head, and PizzaExpress Live in Soho and at The Pheasantry.

And so..

Based in London

Contact

Linleyanne@hotmail.com