Jazz on the Cliffe // Wendy Kirkland Quartet

Wendy Kirkland

UK born and bred Wendy Kirkland is a world class jazz pianist and vocalist whose debut album Piano Divas made such an impact when it was released in March 2017 that it was immediately snapped up for distribution by Discovery Records and made the Album of the Week slot twice in one year on The Jazz UK radio, shortly followed by overwhelming critical acclaim from the national mainstream and jazz press. More airplay of the album followed on Clare Teal's Radio 2 show, Alyn Shipton's Jazz Record Requests on Radio 3, Helen Mayhew's shows on JazzFM and latterly BBC Radio Scotland by Clare Teal's Scottish counterpart Seonaid Aitken. All have noted her swinging style, equally as adept with the Great American Songbook as with Brazilian bossa nova and her own original songs.

Described as "the unsung heroine of British Jazz" by esteemed jazz critic Ian Mann and "mellow and stylish" by Clive Davis of the Sunday Times, Wendy will be performing songs from her album which contains fresh arrangements of songs made famous by jazzwomen who started out as pianists then learned to serenade the audience too, as Wendy has done. These include Diana Krall, Eliane Elias, Shirley Horn, Nina Simone and Blossom Dearie. Wendy tells the story of these women and how they inspired her to strive to become the UK's leading exponent of jazz piano and voice, with equal merit in both. Wendy is joined by a band who have performed with the UK's top jazz players as well as US stars such as Darius Brubeck. Pat Sprakes (guitar), Paul Jefferies (double bass) and Steve Wyndham (drums).

“A very classy debut.” Dave Gelly - The Observer

“Mellow and stylish” Clive Davis - Sunday Times

"Unsung heroine of British Jazz - the lucid warmth of her singing is accompanied by her highly accomplished piano playing" The Jazz Mann

“A bright and auspicious debut. She swings, is confident and has an engaging delivery. What’s not to like?” John Martin, Jazz Rag

"This first recording could just mark the beginning of much deserved recognition." Alan Barnes

"From bar one I sensed that this lady was something special and when I heard the sparkling piano solo my suspicions were confirmed" Bebop Spoken Here

“Most relaxing debut album…enlivening voice, bouncy piano. Her bossa interpretation of “It’s Not Unusual” completely eclipses Tom Jones at last” – Jazz Journal"

Doors open at 6:30pm; Music at 8pm

£5 at the door

The Library Tapas Menu served until 9pm