Birth of the Blues

" Simone Craddock Quartet present on of their sell-out shows

Birth of the Blues!"

From the traditional spirituals of the deep south, to rock n roll and blues-feel standards - no one can resist the rhythmic lure and laughs of the blues!

Simone & her trio trace the historical highlights of the most influential genre of all time, with songs made famous by Nina Simone, Ray Charles, Bessie Smith, BB King and a few cheeky originals! Featuring an outstanding band led by Simone Craddock on vocals, Chris Jerome at the piano, Neville Malcolm on bass and Tom Wright on drums.

Simone Craddock is an international jazz & blues vocalist performing with world class musicians. She has fronted jazz groups and big bands across Australia, Asia, America and Europe and has performed at some of London's best regarded venues, including Ronnie's Bar, Cadogan Hall, Pizza Express, The Bull's Head, Vortex and Crazy Coqs. Simone's style and repertoire reflect an eclectic array of early influences. Raised in a family of brass players, opera singers & country musicians, she also grew up listening to her parents rock n roll, swing and blues records. Whilst her passion for jazz was originally fired by the classics, Sarah Vaughan, Dinah Washington, Nancy Wilson, and her namesake, Nina Simone, she continues to be inspired by contemporary artists, including Kurt Elling, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Melody Gardot and Amy Winehouse. Also a respected leading actress of the stage, Simone's performances are fuelled by humour, charisma and an endless sense of fun!

"A beautiful voice" - Brian May

"Her voice was strong and bluesy...she put on a fine show" - Matthew Roddick – www.kindofjazz.com

"She knows how to work a crowd" - Fold7

"An elegant diva" - The Stage