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London-based jazz vocalist James Hudson is a rising star on the UK jazz scene. An assured and charming performer, James has a natural affinity with an audience and an outstanding voice that undoubtedly sets him apart as a singer at the top of his game.
Fuelled by his desire to play a part in keeping jazz standards alive, James’s obvious passion for these songs shines through in his debut album ‘TOMORROW’, released in February 2021. This record is the biggest milestone of his career so far and provides the perfect showcase for his tasteful phrasing, extensive vocal range and accomplished interpretive ability. It features James and his band performing their original arrangements of classics from The Great American Songbook. The album received widespread critical acclaim, gaining exceptional reviews (BBC Music Magazine, Jazzwise, London Jazz News, JazzViews) international media coverage and air-time across national radio stations such as Jazz FM, where it was named 'Album of the Week'. In-demand at many of the UK’s most respected jazz clubs, James has performed with his own band to sold-out crowds at the world-famous Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, 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. Guesting with some of the top big bands and orchestras in the industry, James is a featured vocalist with The Dover Street Big Band, The London Dance Orchestra, The Sam Every Big Band, The Blessed Rains, The Len Phillips Swing Orchestra, Tom Sharp Jazz Orchestra and the London Musical Theatre Orchestra. James has travelled all over the world to sing - appearing in Spain, India, Norway, Egypt, Switzerland, Malta, France, Sweden, Greece and a residency at the distinguished Hotel De Paris in Monte Carlo. Popular shows that James performs on a regular basis include 'The Nat King Cole Songbook', 'Songs From The Shows', 'The Great Duet Songbook' and 'The Music of Gershwin and Porter'. |
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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 and world renowned jazz festivals, whilst also getting the chance to meet and work with the best emerging jazz talent in the UK. 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 with a big band. James initially began his career in Leeds before moving to London to continue pursuing his developing career and begin work on his debut album.
Citing a wide spectrum of influential luminaries in his development as an artist including Frank Sinatra, Mel Torme, Oscar Peterson, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, Sarah Vaughan, Diana Krall, and Kurt Elling. James became inspired to establish his own voice and unique style, the sum of which is captured in the music of his debut album ‘TOMORROW’. |
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