At this years JAZZ RE:FEST, Grant Windsor takes on the traditional ‘big band’ by flipping it on its head, with arrangements of electronic music, broken beat, Hip Hop, Soul and original compositions. He is joined by the incomparable UK legend Omar, performing his compositions in a way you’ve never heard them; and quite simply the voice of the moment, Vula.
Grant Windsor, from Perth, Western Australia (now residing in London) is an immensely talented individual, who has been making his mark on the UK and worldwide music scene for a number of years now, as a pianist, composer, arranger, conductor and producer.
We have have worked with Grant on various projects over the years, including the release of a Jazz re:freshed 5ive, featuring Grant alongside drummer Richard Spaven, in the guise of The Sure Co.
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He has worked alongside many great artists over the years such as:
Jose James, Clare Teal, Gregory Porter, Jamie Cullum, Garou, Bilal, Sir Michael Parkinson, Ty, Plan B, Stephanie Mckay, Benji B, Emily King, Taylor Mcferrin, Matthew Herbert Big Band, Nailah Porter, Badmarsh and Shri, BBC Big Band, Sophie Solomon, Carole King, Pee Wee Ellis, Joe Bataan, Wretch 32, Russell Watson, Dionne Bromfield, Olly Murs, Pino Palladino, Femi Temowo, Marius De Vries, Lizz Wright and Jean Toussaint.
Most recently, he has just featured as a band leader in this year’s Proms
A man that really doesn’t need any introduction, Omar is a national treasure and indisputably (as far as we’re concerned) one of the greatest musical talents this country has ever produced and it’s a privilege and a pleasure to have him perform at JAZZ RE:FEST 2014.
Designated by many as the father of British neo-soul (though his impact extends over to U.S. shores as well), singer/songwriter/producer, Omar began as one of the U.K.’s most promising R&B hopefuls with his early-’90s international hit “There’s Nothing Like This.” However, unintentionally avoiding pop stardom, he chose never to compromise his artistic credibility, and because of that, people like India Arie, Erykah Badu, Angie Stone, Gilles Peterson, and his biggest idol, Stevie Wonder, have all endorsed him as personal fans (with the prior three naming him as an influence).
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Although he gets thrown into the R&B category, Omar has no real definitive boundaries. In interesting new ways with each album, he has molded soul and urban music to fit his wide variety of influences, including ragga, hip-hop, funk, jazz-pop, rock, and Latin/Caribbean dance.
(Biog written by Cyril Cordor)
Vula has been tearing up the scene with her big talent and unmistakable voice, for a number of years and even now, she is still rising to new heights.
If you don’t already know about Miss Vula Malinga, chances are you’ve seen her everywhere and just didn’t realise. A gifted singer/songwriter, with an impressive catalog of work already under her belt, collaborating with the likes of UK heavyhitters such as Basement Jaxx and MJ Cole.
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Vula is a firm favourite of the Jazz re:freshed faithful and is one of our most requested artist to return to the Jazz re:freshed stage. We cannot wait to witness another exhilarating performance from Vula at JAZZ RE:FEST 2014.
Purchase your ticket HERE.
