Wendy Kirkland, Pat Sprakes, Paul Jefferies, Steve Wyndham

Audiences recognise great jazz when they hear it, and Wendy Kirkland promises finely finessed excellence in her latest show, ‘Piano Divas’. It’ll take you on a sonic journey to the low-lit clubs of New York where jazz spills out onto street corners and music aficionados are king. Shades and cigarettes are, however, optional!

Derbyshire born and bred Kirkland began playing piano at age 10 and has continued to be a student of the genre, with influences ranging from the traditional touchpoints like Nat King Cole and Ella Fitzgerald, right through to insider favourites like Eliane Elias and Michel Petrucciani. Her voice has even been likened to Blossom Dearie, with a hint of Diana Krall. It is this commitment to the greats that has inspired her latest offering; a tribute to the very best female pianist singers of jazz expressed in Kirkland’s uniquely engaging performance style and ‘highly accomplished piano playing’ (The JazzMan).

Following the studio release of ‘Piano Divas’ in 2017, overwhelmingly positive reviews demanded that Kirkland take the project on the road. As part of a touring four-piece, Kirkland chimes easily with audiences who are typically turned off by instrumental jazz as she is a clear communicator through song, and her performance style is notable for its mellow and stylish approach. The Observer Magazine’s Dave Gelly has become a notable champion, hailing the album as a ‘very classy debut’ - one that is an easy win with rural audiences around the country.