PREVIEW: LADIES UNPLUGGED 2009 RAISES THE LEVELS
Sisters are doin' it for themselves once again at the Unplugged Session. Last year's Ladies Special took the organic soul night to new heights, with stunning vocal turns from Hill St Soul, Tawiah, Vula, Rosie Wilson and Gemma Fox, and November 13th sees another first-rate female line-up take to the stage at Stratford Circus.
Brought to you as part of the London Jazz Festival in association with BBC Radio 3, UD continue their commitment to bringing you big name artists in intimate venues alongside the brightest upcoming stars, all backed by super-tight house band Groove Control. Now in its 17th year, London Jazz Festival is widely acclaimed for programming jazz at its highest level, delivering world-class artists alongside the best emerging talent, premieres, commissions, a multitude of free events and an extensive learning and participation programme that sits at its centre. This year’s Festival will continue to push boundaries and connect communities throughout London. Whether you’re a jazz enthusiast, or new to the scene, the Festival offers something for everyone and has grown into one of London’s landmark music events.
Mercury Music Prize winner Ms Dynamite needs little introduction. From breakthrough track ‘Boo’ alongside Sticky, through the award winning ‘A Little Deeper’, and onto the recent ragga-tinged stylings of sleeper single ‘Bad Gyal’ and The Nextmen’s ‘Lions Den’, Ms D always brings freshness to her performances. Expect to hear old favourites alongside new material from her eagerly anticipated third album.
Shola Ama is also no stranger to success, with her debut album ‘Much Love’ selling over 1 million copies and scoring her two top five hits, MOBOs for Best Newcomer and Best R&B and a Brit Award. Leading vocal coach for Urban Development and mentor to many of the UD Vocal Collective, Nov 13th will see Shola back on stage, showcasing the voice that has secured her place as one of Britain’s best R&B artists.
Representing for the new school, first up is saxophonist YolanDa Brown. Like our first two artists YolanDa is a MOBO Award winner (having picked up the Best Jazz gong last year) and an almost constant tourer. With venues including Royal Albert Hall, Ronnie Scott’s and The Southbank Centre playing host to some of her most recent performances, Urban Development offer the chance to catch this gifted musician up close and personal for one night only.
Throw in First Lady of funky and the voice behind massive Napa anthem ‘Tell Me’ Katy B and you have another stellar line up from the Urban Development crew. You might think you know these artists and their tunes but stripped back and unplugged promises to be a unique experience, with a few surprises if past events are anything to judge by. So make a date in your diary… November 13th, the sisters are doing it not just for themselves, but for you too.
Urban Development presents Ladies Unplugged
Date: Friday 13th November 2009
Venue: Stratford Circus, London, E15 1BX
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £12/£8
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