Saturday Night Free Jazz

About This Event

Wendy Kirkland is a UK-based jazz pianist, Hammond organ player and singer who has been a regular on the UK jazz scene for more than 10 years. Wendy's natural phrasing, light pianistic touch and melodic lines are combined with a high level of ability at sight reading of written scores and chord charts, as well as the innate ability to pick up melody and harmony by ear. In addition, Wendy sings and accompanies herself on piano and Hammond organ. Her influences include Shirley Horn, Diana Krall, Carol Welsman, Blossom Dearie and Nat King Cole. Switching to jazz in her late teens, Wendy continued her playing career as a dance class pianist, accompanist to singers and as a keyboardist in club bands. After being persuaded to sing by a great friend and guitarist, Bill McCreath, Wendy learned to reach people who are perhaps turned off by instrumental jazz, and also she learnt to communicate with the audience through the songs. Wendy's voice has been likened to Blossom Dearie with hints of Diana Krall. Wendy formed a piano and Hammond organ trio with Pat Sprakes on double bass/guitar. The trio has played UK jazz festivals as well as venues throughout the UK and Europe. In 2010, Wendy became part of the Jet Collective, an East Midlands group of jazz musicians devoted to composing and performing original music. This collective seeks to promote live jazz in the East Midlands.

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