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 João 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.