Jazz singer goes back to the greats at Bedford Arms night

Jazz vocalist Sara Dowling will be paying tribute to one of her favourite albums at the Bedford Arms in Bromham road on Monday.
Sara Dowling will sing songs from The Swingins Mutual by Nancy Wilson and George ShearingSara Dowling will sing songs from The Swingins Mutual by Nancy Wilson and George Shearing
Sara Dowling will sing songs from The Swingins Mutual by Nancy Wilson and George Shearing

The Swingin’s Mutual by Nancy Wilson and George Shearing was released in 1961 – and remains a key influence on many performers.

Sara said: “It’s amazing how much one can learn about phrasing, harmony, and rhythmic interplay by purely listening to the greats.

“If you’re a jazz singer and you’re learning repertoire, you’ve got to start with Ella Fitzgerald. She’ll teach you everything you need to know. Billie Holiday will remind you that you’ve got to be true and real and mean every word you sing. Then along came Nancy Wilson and Betty Carter – all these women have been tremendous teachers to me through the recordings they have left with their legacy.”

Sara began her musical career as a cellist, which led her to play for Yo Yo Ma and with the Halle Orchestra. She then became a teacher at a comprehensive school in Bolton before discovering her jazz voice in 2010, since when has pursued a career in jazz, writing music for record companies inluding EMI and Sony.

The music starts at 8.30pm. Admission is free but contributions £5 per person are encouraged.