Candid International Jazz Week

THE CANDID INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL
PIZZA EXPRESS JAZZ CLUB, SOHO
WEDNESDAY 1st NOV - WEDNESDAY 8th NOV 2006

Wednesday 1st November - LEEE JOHN
Singer-songwriter Leee John, best known for his work as lead singer with the internationally renowned pop/soul/dance team Imagination, released his first solo album, 'Feel My Soul' in 2005, with Candid. Leee's jazz performances are a complete contrast to the raw energy of Imagination. He has matured into an artist who retains this power but is more concerned with intimacy, giving his jazz gigs a unique feel.

Thursday 2nd November - NOIS 4 featuring MONICA VASCONCELOS & INGRID LAUBROCK
Nois specialise in the music of Brazil – the only Portugese speaking country in Latin America – where the sounds coming from Africa and Europe blend with the native soul to produce truly great music. Originally formed by Monica Vasconcelos (vocals) and Ingrid Laubrock (saxophones), Nois 4 is now very well established and boasts the exceptional talents of Ingrid and Monica as well as Ife Tolentino (guitar) and Chris Wells (drums).

Friday 3rd & Saturday 4th November - MISHKA ADAMS with the JOHN HOARE BAND
At only 20 years old Mishka Adams, singer/songwriter/saxophonist/guitarist is already a name to look out for. As the youngest signing to Candid Records in a multi-record deal, she is often compared to legendary vocalists from the golden era of American Popular Songbook, albeit more contemporary and infused with other genres like rock, world music and even a touch of pop. Mishka will also be perfroming with some of Britains finest jazz musicians, the John Hoare band, producing a sound that is hip and relevant within the melting pot that is London's jazz scene.

Sunday 5th November - DIMITRI VASSILAKIS featuring JULIET KELLY
Greece's first international jazz star, saxophonist Dimitrious Vassilakis rarely appears in London. When he does, his 'post-Coltrane' saxophone style never fails to draw rapt audiences and positive reviews. Dimitri's collaboration with Juliet Kelly, the luxuriously laid back singer often likened to Cassandra Wilson and Norah Jones, is set to be a fabulous gig.

Monday 6th November - IMELDA MAY
The highly talented lead vocalist Imelda May exudes real passion and thrives on live performances as her and the band give an exciting mix of covers and original compositions. On-stage, May explores different female personas, from elegant and glamorous to the tomboy, all the while exuding huge energy. A string of memorable performances have led to an avid and wide-ranging fanbase that is as difficult to pigeon-hole as May herself.

Tuesday 7th November - CORMAC KENEVEY and the PHIL WARE TRIO
Cormac Kenevey has built a well-earned reputation as a leading performer of both originals and the popular song book. Though still in his twenties, his mature delivery and heartfelt interpretations display a great regard for those artists whom he cites as major influences. Having recently signed to Candid, Cormac is now rapidly increasing his fan base worldwide with the recent release of 'This is Living' which is a fine collaboration with the Phil Ware Trio, who tour with him the whole of this Autumn.

Wednesday 8th November - MINA AGOSSI
French-born singer, Mina Agossi, recently released her second album on Candid in the UK and the US. As well as winning many awards she has collaborated with some highly prestigious musicians and regularly performs with the likes of Archie Shepp, Spirit of Life Ensemble, Mukta, and Archie Shepp. Performing with the unusual backing of just bass player Eric Jacot and drummer Ichiro Onoe, Mina will showcase creative originals and startling re-interpretations of familiar classics. Her inimitable, fresh approach gives the vocal scene a much-needed push in a brand new direction.

Pizza Express Jazz Club
10 Dean Street, London W1
Tickets: +44 (0)207 439 8722