Emily Wright

Saturday
Part of Home Festival 2012

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Since appearing on the Bristol jazz scene Emily has fast become one of the most sought after jazz vocalists in the area due to her rich vocalisation and flawless alto range. She extends her role as a singer into that of a front line instrument creating an exciting and contemporary sound. Her creative approach to the jazz idiom, and unique choice of repertoire make her an original and refreshing performer. Her original arrangements draw influence from traditional jazz artists including Blossom Dearie and Ella Fitzgerald to present day contemporary music including artists such as Norma Winstone, Chick Corea, Kenny Wheeler and Kurt Elling.

Emily is the vocalist in Moonlight Saving Time, Kaleidoscope and Emily Wright and The Royals alongside her duo work with Jon Hyde (guitar) and other new creative collaborations. With a line up of Jake McMurchie on saxophones (Get The Blessing), Will Harris on double bass alongside Emily’s vocals, Kaleidoscope has no ‘chord’ instrument to fill the sound and each musician is exposed at all times.

“Naturally the music is more impressionistic and spacious as a result, a style with which all three are well comfortable…there’s actually no room for anything else”. Tony Benjamin, Venue Magazine

Blending Lush harmonies and infectious groves, Moonlight Saving Time offers a fresh take on jazz standards as well as more unusual repertoire. Emily’s voice interweaves with acclaimed trumpeter Nick Malcolm backed by the beautiful yet angular guitar playing of Jon Hyde and a tight rhythm section comprising Will Harris (bass) and Mark Whitlam (drums). Cinematic, grooving arrangements segue seamlessly into moments of group free improvisation, while unusual time signatures sit alongside hip hop and latin grooves.

Emily has performed at Festivals including Brecon Jazz Festival and Glastonbury Festival and venues around the UK including St Georges and Colston Hall (Bristol), Wales Millennium Centre and The Queens Head (Wales) and London’s The Spice of Life and City Pipe.

“The vocals slip effortlessly around the music, adding their own texture and instrumental presence…It’s rarely less than fascinating, not least for the sheer courage of such minimalism, and always satisfyingly contemporary jazz music.”
Tony Benjamin 2011

“Lovely jazz instrument, accurate and flexible.”
London Jazz, 2011

“Her fearlessness as an improvising vocalist was one of the things that made her stand out from the crowd when she began to appear on the Bristol jazz scene some five years ago. While most ‘jazz singers’ are very much the centre of attention, Emily takes a more equal role … singing the songs, but also weaving vocal music into the sound like any other instrumentalist.”
Tony Benjamin, Venue 2011

Visit: www.emilywrightmusic.co.uk