Helen Rogers Back in Balham for Jazz Fusion EP Launch

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Accomplished jazz artist Helen Rogers is to showcase four tracks from her forthcoming EP, Eyes Like Midnight, at a concert at the Bedford Arms, Balham, on April 29, 2008. A host of renowned jazz and R n B artists - including the talented drum n bass lyricist V Double E, Hip Hop artist Clement Marfo and hot young talent Ife - will support Helen on the night. The new album is Helen's first solo project to combine her writing, arranging, production and singing skills. Collaborations with guitarist Tony Qunta, Brazilian percussionist Ulisses Bezerra and funky bass man Derek Baxter have produced a collection of highly accomplished tracks which fuse together influences from jazz, jazz funk and Lovers Rock genres. One of the tracks – Eyes Like Midnight – has already been shortlisted in the Urban section of MTV's Get Seen, Get Heard competition.

The launch party will provide Helen's committed UK fans with the live show they have been asking for and introduce them to other artists from the jazz, R n B and reggae music scene.

Simon Camara, chief executive officer, Naeemah Entertainment, says: "Helen's pedigree in dance music - with a foot in both Brit funk and Brit Lovers Rock camps - makes her new music relevant to both the past and present."

He adds: "The EP is an outstanding and successful renaissance for her. She is an artist of great sensitivity whose songs will take you on an emotional journey, from the tender yearning of 'Eyes Like Midnight' and the sweet sadness of 'The First Time' to the full-on funkiness of 'My Eternal Love'. The whole production is a musical treasure."

Helen Rogers is an established singer songwriter who began her musical career in 1983. She made an impact in 1985 fronting 80's Brit funk band Direct Drive, which enjoyed No. 1 success in the UK Soul Chart with the timeless club classic, Anything.

Her previous work has included extensive collaboration with celebrated producer Paul Hardcastle on the best selling Jazzmasters Project, where she co-wrote many of the featured songs and provided vocals on all tracks. The Jazzmasters was extremely successful in winning awards and reached No 1 in both the US billboard Adult Contemporary chart and the J-Wave chart in Japan in 1992.

Paul Hardcastle paid tribute to her talent on the CD cover of his album - Paul Hardcastle 1983-2003 (The very best of Paul Hardcastle) – by writing: "Helen Roger's voice is perfect for me - she's got no huge ego and treats her voice like an instrument."

As well as having an impressive back catalogue of jazz albums, Helen has had chart success in Jamaica with several (Lovers Rock) recordings. Her versatile vocals were utilised in 1985 for the track 'NNNN Nineteen Not Out' by Rory Bremner and the Commentators - a spoof version of the classic Paul Hardcastle hit 19 - about the England Cricket Team. The track reached No 13 in the national chart and lead to appearances on Top Of the Pops and the Wogan Show.

Helen's 25 year career has earned her a plethora of committed fans including radio and club DJs from around the world.

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