Album Notes

The rebel choirgirl with the voice of an angel…and the talents of a Welsh Lucifer.

'Battersea Park' is an exciting debut from a rising star. Drawing inspiration from Laura's favourite London park where she would people-watch and write music, the album is a playful take on love and lust, both lost and found. Featuring well-loved songs, quirky originals and off-beat covers from this, the 'rebel choirgirl' of jazz.

Laura’s intensely beautiful sound is a fresh, unique mixture of old and new.

Influenced by the singing greats such as Ella Fitzgerald and Betty Carter, she also draws inspiration from modern artists like Regina Spektor.

Classically trained in piano and ‘cello, her career took wing in the recesses of the University chapel. Feeling the constraints of High Church music, she secretly listened to Nina Simone and Charlie Parker:

‘I saw the light, threw off my cassock, and began to take the path of jazz understanding.’

Then followed an adventurous year in Rome, singing in back street clubs and gorging on fabulous Italian wine. On return to South Wales she continued her apprenticeship in working mens' clubs and any place she could shove a microphone.

Having honed her skills, Laura moved to London in 2003 to study on the highly competitive Jazz performance course at the Guildhall School of Music in London. There she met her band mates and, after many smoky sessions, the Laura Collins Band was born.


Featuring:

Vocals, piano, 'cello, scissors: Laura Collins
Guitars: Sam Dunn
Bass: Julian Jackson
Drums: Oli Blackman