Norma Winstone

The sheer quality of timbre and expression that exudes from the voice of Norma Winstone transcends familiar conceptions of the jazz singer. Fast approaching the status of national treasure, she retains the same clarity and emotional depth that characterised her impact on a massively inventive British jazz scene in the 1960s – and her contribution as singer and lyricist to the art of jazz and improvised musics since then has been immeasurable, garnering a respect from her musical peers as well as audiences worldwide.

Over the years, her associations with contemporaries such as John Taylor, Kenny Wheeler, Steve Swallow stand out alongside collaborations with the great American pianists Jimmy Rowles and Fred Hersch – and she continues to explore fresh ground.

Her European trio with saxophonist Klaus Gesing and pianist Glauco Venier has recorded a series of delicately nuanced CDs for ECM that are masterpieces of chamber jazz. This trio forms one aspect of a concert that celebrates her 75th birthday year, balanced by a set that features a specially-formed big band and orchestra from the Royal Academy of Music – reflecting her continuing role as teacher and inspiration to emerging talent - and guests such as pianist Nikki Iles and bassist Chris Laurence.