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With a critically acclaimed debut album already under his belt and a second album out in 2024, British vocalist James Hudson is a rising star in UK jazz. A captivating and charming performer who has a natural affinity with an audience, James Hudson’s outstanding voice can communicate the nuances of a melody and lyric with great interpretive prowess which undoubtedly sets him apart as a jazz singer at the top of his game.
James Hudson’s brand new album MOONRAY is a bold and ambitious project that features a unique ensemble including horns, vibraphone and strings to create a rare and accomplished sound. James and his band were invited to BBC Broadcasting House in London to perform songs from MOONRAY live on BBC Radio 3 for it's release day. This follows his debut album TOMORROW which attracted international media coverage and exceptional reviews from many top jazz publications (BBC Music Magazine, London Jazz News, Jazzwise, JazzViews), plus air-time across national radio stations where it was named 'Album of the Week' by Jazz FM. Fuelled by his desire to play a part in keeping jazz standards alive, James’s obvious passion for these songs shines through in both of his albums which are the perfect showcase for his tasteful phrasing, extensive vocal range and rich timbre. Having recently sold out his first show at the world renowned Ronnie Scott's, James is in demand at many of the UK’s most respected jazz clubs. Regularly performing to sell out crowds at Pizza Express Jazz Club Soho, Crazy Coqs, Piano Smithfield, Peggy's Skylight (Nottingham), Hull Truck Theatre and has appeared at the EFG London Jazz Festival, Leeds Jazz Festival, Wigan International Jazz Festival and the Snape Proms. |
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James is sought after as a guest artist with some of the top big bands and orchestras in the industry; featuring as a lead vocalist with The Sam Every Big Band, The Len Phillips Swing Orchestra, The Dover Street Big Band, The London Dance Orchestra, The Blessed Rains, Tom Sharp Jazz Orchestra and the London Musical Theatre Orchestra. James has travelled all over the world to sing - appearing in The Bahamas, Sicily, Spain, India, Norway, Egypt, Switzerland, Malta, France, Sweden, Greece, a residency at the distinguished Hotel De Paris in Monte Carlo and recently performed at 10 Downing St for the UK Prime Minister.
Following in the footsteps of many of the UK’s finest jazz musicians, James is an alumni of the National Youth Jazz Orchestra (NYJO) whom he toured with as lead vocalist for three years. NYJO gave him an early opportunity to sing at packed out concert halls, world renowned festivals with the best emerging jazz talent in the country. Originally from East Yorkshire, James studied at The University of Warwick where he was awarded the ‘Vocal Music Scholarship’ and got his first taste of singing jazz with a big band. Citing a wide spectrum of influential artists in his development, James has taken great inspiration from the likes of Frank Sinatra, Mel Tormé, Oscar Peterson, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, Sarah Vaughan, Diana Krall, and Kurt Elling. Through these people, James became inspired to establish his own voice and unique style, the sum of which is captured in the music on his albums and live performances. |
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