Alice Zawadzki
““Uncategorisable, beautiful – a real force to be reckoned with””
Jamie Cullum, BBC Radio 2
Although still in her twenties Alice has already developed into a stunning musician in the vanguard of the post-modern contemporary jazz scene, with a list of accomplishments that is long and impressive indeed. First introduced to jazz at twelve years of age when she heard famed New Orleans singer (and former 606 regular) Lillian Boutté – who later became her mentor – Alice earned a BMus (hons) in violin before graduating with an MA in jazz voice and composition from the Royal Academy (performing her final recital here at the Club). Along the way, she’s been the recipient of scholarships from the Musicians Benevolent Fund, the Jerwood Foundation and Scottish Arts Council among others and was selected to participate in jazz promoter Serious’ “Take Five” Edition X artist development programme. Her first record, “China Lane”, was released to considerable acclaim through Whirlwind Recordings, one of the UK’s leading boutique jazz labels and a recognised tastemaker amongst those in the know. Her songs are self-described as about “mischief, whimsy, magic, inebriation, loss, exodus, prejudice and above all, love”, while her sound is earthy, organic and satisfying on a visceral level, sophisticated and complex yet accessible to the uninitiated. Tonight Alice will be bringing to the Club her classic line-up featuring Pete Lee-piano, Alex Roth-guitar, Tom McCredie-bass and Jon Scott-drums. A uniquely expressive performer and a gifted storyteller, Alice is a breakthrough artist of the highest calibre.
“She is a genuine original with a pure, pealing voice that can darken into brooding low tones, and twist with the flexibility and harmonic awareness of a jazz singer. She is also a composer of gliding, melodically unorthodox tunes....as well as an expressive lyricist.”Guardian; "something of a phenomenon" MOJO Magazine; “A many-splendoured collection that pulls you in a myriad of emotional directions" Jazzwise