Biography
Helen Abbey graduated from the Rose Bruford College of Speech and
Drama, London, with a Diploma in Performing Arts. Her singing career
started with a regular spot at The Ritz Hotel, London with an acapella
group called The Swing Sisters. After taking time out to raise her
family, her return to the music world was set when she successfully
showcased her talents at 'Pizza on the Park' in Knightsbridge, London.
She recently won a place in the finals of the Sony Jazz International
competition, 'Search for a New Jazz Star'.
After winning a highly acclaimed award from the Arts Council England,
Helen went about bringing her passion for jazz to life. She is well
known on the UK East Coast and plays at many venues in this area.
On an international level, a collaboration with Italy's top jazz
harmonica player, Luigi Ferrara, has brought about her long awaited
debut album 'Simply Me'. It delivers the best in a wide range of
jazz styles - mainstream standards, swing, ballads, and a sprinkling
of original songs. The album is a true reflection of Helen's inimitable
smooth style. Helen says, "It was highly motivating to win recognition
and an award from the Arts Council. Their financial assistance was
the much needed catalyst to get the album project underway."
Her album was launched at The New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich, and met
with excellent reviews. Audiences at Helen's live concerts have
shown great appreciation for her work, buying up her album to take
a small piece of Helen Abbey home with them. Her website is also
attracting the attention of people interested in hearing more. Helen
has been featured on BBC Radio For The Eastern Counties on the Patrick
Antony show and on Paul Barnes' Gold For Grown Ups, BBC Suffolk's
Stephen Foster interviewed Helen live on his Jazz on Drive Time
show subsequently inviting her and Simon Brown (piano) to perform
a live session. She is now a regular reviewer on his weekly "New
Releases" show.
Helen Abbey is gaining recognition both in the UK and internationally:
September 2004 - Tour Central Italy and Sienna
October 2004 -Featured on Brazil radio FM-106 on Joćo da Penha's
"Jazz & Bossa Nova"
November 2004 - "Simply Me" distributed to Tower Records in Japan
10th April 2005 - "Simply Me" to be presented on "New Voices In
Jazz" Egon Staniok's radio show in Denmark
May 2005 - 2nd Tour in Italy.
July 2006 - 3rd Central Italy tour. Will also be writing songs and
recording on Luigi Ferrara'a new CD as his guest star.
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