Sunday Lunchtime Special: Shireen Francis

Born in London of Jamaican and Goan heritage Shireen learned her craft in Afro-Caribbean music, but in recent years has also expanded her influences to include classic jazz singers such as Marlena Shaw, Dianne Reeves and Nancy Wilson. Combining these varied influences she has now put together ‘The Small Island Project’, a London-based Caribbean, Jazz, Rhythm and Groove Quintet. This combination of jazz laced with flavours of calypso and reggae, together with Shireen’s fine vocals and innate musicianship, is an uplifting musical experience bringing the spirit of carnival to every venue she plays. Featuring Geoff Castle-piano, Dominic Grant-guitar, Neville Malcolm-bass and Kenrick Rowe-drums this promises to be a fun filled afternoon of music.

"Quite simply Shireen is one of the best British Jazz vocalists of this generation" BBC Radio; "A brilliant vocalist whose beguiling performance left me wanting more" Jazzwise