Stacey Kent

When it seemed that everything in jazz singing had already been sung, and the crazy virtuosity of the performers ceased to impress anyone, a new hope appeared – Stacey Kent.
The artist proposed a return to simplicity, music that puts melody, free swinging, nobility of sound and a clear message in the foreground. Her beautiful voice, personal charm and ability to tell stories through sounds and words seduced fans from the first album (Close Your Eyes, 1997).
She has always liked to sing, but she did not plan a career as a singer. Stasey’s passion was literature and foreign languages, and she wanted to devote herself to an academic career, just like her parents. While studying in Germany, she came up with the idea of going to London to audition at the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama. She was accepted, although she had never studied music before. In London, she met the saxophonist and composer Jim Tomlinson (her future husband), with whom she has been working to this day. The fruit of this cooperation is a dozen or so albums highly acclaimed by critics, including Breakfast On the Morning Tram, which won the hearts of listeners (300,000 copies sold) and a Grammy nomination.
Stacey Kent performs a diverse repertoire – from covers from the Great American Songbook, through classics of French song (Jacques Brel, Serge Gainsbourg), bossa nova Jobim, to hits of jazz and pop stars. A large part of Stasey’s program is filled with Tomlinson’s compositions, which show her talent, vocal conditions and expression in the most comprehensive way.
She feels best in nostalgic ballads – her warm, sensual alto, perfect intonation, masterful phrasing, delicate, barely perceptible vibrato and nuanced dynamics can hypnotize. Knowledge of foreign languages allows Stasey not only to sing songs with original lyrics (Spanish, French), but also to establish direct contact with the audience during concerts in different countries around the world.
For years, she has been cooperating with a group of proven musicians who emphasize the jazz character of her interpretation. Tomlinson’s saxophone stands out in the band, counterpointing the vocal lines with a warm tone, reminiscent of Stan Getz.

– Bogdan Chmura

Composition:
Stacey Kent – vocals
Art Hirahara – keys
Jim Tomlinson – woodwind/percussion