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| Sun 21st Sep John Heavens‘ London Launch for Big City Calling Jazzizit Records are delighted to announce Big City Calling, the debut adult contemporary and jazz release by artist John Heavens. BBC Jazz Vocalist of the Year 2007, Ian Shaw says 'John Heavens' debut album is an impressive affair. Funky, witty and diverse….. the songs are fresh and groovy. Heavens calls upon a stellar cast of musicians and a delightfully funky Andrea Vicari on piano'. John is collaborating with musicians who tour with Jamie Cullum and Jools Holland and you can preview 3 tracks on www.myspace.com/johnheavens The album launch event is at the renowned jazz club Pizza Express in Soho, London on Sunday 21st September at 6.45pm. Call 0845 6027 017 for tickets costing £18.00 or book online at www.pizzaexpresslive.com John Heavens' professional singing career started with pop, soul, blues and funk performing at venues around the UK and on the European Blues circuit. Big City Calling is stylistically eclectic and is a contemporary blend of Jazz, Rap, Rock, Gospel and African music, showcasing John's original compositions and subtle vocals. The album has wide appeal because it crosses several musical genres. Freedom is a recurrent theme in John's music, (his jazz-singer mum is related to the founder of Harley Davidson*, whose motorcycles are the epitome of freedom!) John was so determined to follow his passion for music that he risked it all by taking a year off work** to study Jazz at Trinity College of Music, Greenwich, London. Duke Ellington's 'Sacred Concert' proved inspirational for the album and Cry Freedom deals with breaking free from emotional issues that hold people back. Monday on Freedom Street explores John's observations of jobs that provide income but do not satisfy the soul. The jazz ballad Hanoi Lullaby tells the story of a street kid in Hanoi who dies through drugs and prostitution. With such a wide range of issues, John has utilized a diverse instrumentation to colour his stories - Rapper Jahaziel (Daniel Beddingfield, Craig David), delivers a strong freestyle rap message on Cry Freedom and Manhatten Transfer style vocals by Stephanie Meade (Madonna at Live 8) and Simon King feature on Transatlantic Love Affair. Accordian player Peter Rosser sets the mood on one of the two instrumental tracks Voyage around my Father and Tabla and percussion by Kuljit Bhamra are featured on Bodiccia's Voice. At the heart of the Band are British Jazz greats Andrea Vicari – arrangements and piano, Marc Parnell - drums, Dorian Lockett - bass, Rory Simmons - trumpet, Malcolm Earl Smith – trombone, Duncan Eagles - sax and John Brattoff - guitar. Bassist Geoff Gascoyne who tours with Jamie Cullum also lends an ear to the post production. Recorded and Engineered by Derek Nash, saxophonist for Jools Holland and Jazzizit Director at Clowns Pocket Studios. write your comments about the article :: © 2008 Jazz News :: home page |