Sarah broke on to the London jazz scene whilst spending three years as the principal vocalist of the National Youth Jazz Orchestra (NYJO). Championed by leading vocalists Claire Martin and Ian Shaw, Sarah has just released her first album: “Darning the Dream” her versatility defies easy categorisation.
Sarah has been voted as the winner of the 9th International Jazz Singing Competition "Jazz Voices". The competition, which held in Lithuania, awarded Sarah the Grand Prize above 31 other contestants selected from all over the world.
“From the deep rich tones to the soaring high notes, Linley Weir delivers soul, jazz and blues with equal aplomb. Heartfelt, deeply emotional and highly musical, this singer is a class act” Linley’s signature contralto voice is sensitive – authentic – soulful – smoky and original. When Linley performs she is in her element, singing soul-inspired, modern jazz, that is not constrained by traditional genre boundaries.
Verona's first really lucky jazz break came in 2005 when Humphrey Lyttelton asked her to record a track perhaps aptly entitled ‘Jail Break’ for his ‘Sad Sweet Songs and Crazy Rhythms’ album. Verona met Humph through jazz pianist Ted Beament who years before had introduced her to Claire Martin with whom she still collaborates.
Verona’s jazz album ‘Fever’ is due for release on Wednesday 21st July 2010 and features an arrangement of ‘Jail Break’ as a tribute and ‘thank you’ to the late Humphrey Lyttelton.
Women in Jazz on the Uk Jazz Radio Stage at the Marlborough International Jazz Festival
Women in Jazz on the Uk Jazz Radio Stage at the 2010 Marlborough International Jazz Festival
Uk Jazz Radio will be celebrating Women in Jazz on the 10th July on the Uk Jazz Stage at the Marlborough Jazz Festival. You will find us at the Fire Station.
3 very talented female vocalists will be singing songs from thier CDs over the Afternoon.
They are Sarah Ellen Hughes, Linley Wier and Verona Chard.
