Parry Ray and trio Set

Jazz/soul singer Parry Ray is performing live dates throughout 2012 to support the launch of her new album later this year – her first performance of the year is at Kensington Roof Gardens in conjunction with Jazz FM.

PARRY RAY: Smooth, Soulful and Chilled. Parry Ray grew up in a traditional British Indian family in north London listening to a rich and varied soundtrack featuring Elvis, Michael Jackson, Ravi Shankar, Chaka Khan, Nina Simone, Chet Baker, Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton. She started singing to the radio at the age of 3. By 5 she was starring in school choirs. By the age of 16 she was bunking off revision to audition and perform at Soho clubs. But - confusingly for her at the time - Parry was always more than a pretty voice and a top voice. She was also smart. And after winning a full scholarship to leading London school St Paul's Girls, Parry was propelled down an academic route and ended up studying bio-chemistry at Bristol University. She left with an MSc... and the distinct feeling that something in her life was missing.

To the horror of her family, Parry abandoned science and became a cabaret singer. Dropping the lab coat and goggles for mini-skirts and high heels, Parry hit the London scene with a vengeance and formed a trio with top latin pianist John Crawford, bassist Richard Sadler and Simon Pearson on drums.

The Parry Ray Trio debuted at the legendary Ronnie Scott's club in London and were soon gigging key venues such as the Royal Albert Hall, The Barbican, Pizza Express Soho, Boisdales, The Bull's Head (Barnes) and the Edinburgh and North Sea Jazz Festivals. They have also featured extensively on BBC Radio 2, Smooth FM and live on radio throughout France and Holland.

Parry is currently in the process of recording her debut album, and has been busy recording and writing with award winning songwriter Andy Murray, whose writing and remix credits include Leona Lewis, Natasha Bedingfield, Lemar, Alicia Keys, Cathy Dennis and Elkie Brooks. The album is due for international release in Summer 2012.