Sunday 2nd April THE PUPPINI SISTERS

In 2004 Marcella Puppini suggested to her two friends Stephanie O'Brien and Kate Mullinsthat it might be fun to update the famous 1940’s Andrews Sisters three voice Jazz harmony trio with a contemporary feel and jazz rhythm section. And so the “Puppini Sisters” were born. And with their darker versions of classics like The Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, The Heebie Jeebies and more up to date songs such as Kate Bush's Wuthering Heights, it wan’t long before the gigs started rolling in. The Sisters all have had success performing as solo artists with more traditional jazz ensembles, but they let their hair down – or sometimes twist it up into kiss curls – when performing their stylised and choreographed tribute to the swing time close harmony trios of the 1930s and 40s. Already booked for this year’s Cheltenham Festival it is a measure of the impact that this unique, fun, group have made on the scene that they recently signed a deal and recorded a record for Universal which is due out very shortly. Something a little different for Smollensky’s but well worth checking out.

Sunday 9th April MANTECA

This six piece salsa band, formed by famed Colombian singer Martha Acosta, has been “salsa-ing” across the UK and Europe for almost 5 years now. Martha, best known for her work with her all woman Latin band “Candela” and Roberto Pla’s “Latin Ensemble”, drives the band along with her searing Latin vocals and powerhouse personality. And she is ably supported by some of the finest Latin musicians on the scene, including Don Fiora (bass), Satin Singh (percussion) and Paul Jayasinha (trumpet). One of the best salsa bands working the scene today. Come ready to dance! "Ripping funky Salsa from the finest Latin musicians of London, guaranteed to induce all manner of heel-stamping and handclapping” Fact Magazine; “Top Latin dance floor action…that would get even the most stubborn wallflower shaking their hips” FatCity

Sunday 16th  April***BANK HOLIDAY SPECIAL***
STEVE BROOKSTEIN BAND also with the Eileen Hunter quartet

STEVE BROOKSTEIN, best known as the very first winner of TV’s X FACTOR, is the classic example of an “overnight success” after more than 15 years in the music business. Since his first single release in 1996 Steve has had three record deals, numerous TV appearances (besides the X Factor!), and a varied and interesting career including support to the likes of Dione Warwick. But it was the 4 million votes he received in December 2004 when winning TV’s the X Factor that really put this talented professional musician on the map. His song “Against All Odds” went to number one in the charts shortly afterwards, followed by the successful release of his album. There then followed a quiet period for Steve, for various contractual reasons, so it’s with enormous pleasure that we welcome this fine artist back to live performance here at Smollensky’s. Watch out for the new album and tour set for later this year. Supporting Steve this evening will be the marvellous Jazz singer Eileen Hunter with her quartet, performing a mix of Jazz standards and swinging originals. Eileen is not only a wonderful vocalist with a lovely, breathy delivery but also a highly accomplished musician, being fluent on both piano and flute. This talented and impressive musician is a welcome addition to the UK scene and is well worth catching.

Sunday 23rd April ANNA MARIA JOPEK

One of the most successful Polish female singers of all time, Anna Maria Jopek is regarded in her own country as a Superstar. Of the eight albums that she has produced in the last nine years, all packed with her own terrific originals, five went gold and two platinum within weeks of their release. A classical pianist by training this attractive and enormously talented singer/musician has successfully fused Jazz, Soul, Classical, Polish folk music, World Music and pop to produce a unique style that is both powerful and delicate, melodic and funky, with an underlying jazz feel. She has worked with many of the finest European musicians and her album “Upojenie” recorded with USA guitar giant Pat Metheny was received to enormous acclaim around the world. Now signed to Universal records her eighth album, “Secret”, a heady mix of Anna Maria’s originals and four carefully selected covers, is her first sung primarily in English, and it is this album that she will be promoting tonight. Supported by a band of the highest quality (she gets the pick of the Polish musicians, who traditionally perform to a terrific standard) this gig promises to be quite an event. Booking recommended. “..what I do is equally fed by jazz, folk and classical. In that order.” Anna Maria; "Anna is unique … a great musician” Pat Metheny;  “A feathery soprano with a unique timbre, she can lull you into an illusion of silky easiness but then surprise you with a dark intensity.  Her band also brought intensity to the stage with their expressive depth and skill.” All About Jazz

Sunday 30th April  **BANK HOLIDAY SPECIAL**
RACHAEL CALLADINE

Rachael, who has been singing professionally since the age of 17, moved to London in 1995 to pursue her career, and since then has been featured on numerous gigs and recording projects. She has been featured on nu jazz aficionado Giles Petersons album ‘Worldwide Vol 2.’ with her co-written song La La Li and singing work includes lead vocals with the seminal Jazz/Hip hop band “US 3”. In addition to all this she has made numerous television appearances including MTV and BBC.  Her debut album of original material “Life, Love & Gossip” on Kwerk records is due out soon so catch her while you still can! “What a voice!” Ian Shaw