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Kelly’s voice has been described by Jamie Cullum as "A highly individual,
mature voice with very subtle power that creeps up on you". Born in Northern
Ireland and raised in Leeds in the north of England, Kelly knew from an
early age that she would make a career in music and aged 16 was already
active on the studio session scene. She discovered a love for jazz and funk
and her Quintet started to perform regularly on the jazz circuit, this led
to her relocating to London where she later graduated with a degree in Jazz
Studies from Middlesex University.
Kelly recorded a debut jazz album ‘Vocal Point’ in 2003 in New York and
which featured renowned saxophonist George Garzone. Widely respected pianist
Nikki Iles accompanied Kelly on two tracks later recorded in London. She
also returned back to New York in 2007 with Norwegian guitarist Werner
Kristiansen and they recorded a second jazz album; ‘Doodlin’’ which also
features George Garzone and his trio throughout.
In 2005, after being spotted singing by Paul Weller’s drummer Steve White,
Kelly was asked to join Steve’s band the ‘Players’, an authentic funk / soul
outfit also consisting of Mick Talbot and Damon Minchella. She went on to
tour with the Players playing numerous venues and festivals across Europe
such as The Blue Note Milan and Glastonbury. Kelly also collaborated in
writing and recording the Players second album "From the Six Corners"
(Sanctuary Records). The Players are now renamed ‘Trio Valore’ and Kelly
occasionally sings a Players set with them.
At present Kelly’s main focus is 'Chapter Two'. Chapter Two is Kelly and
guitarist Werner Kristiansen. Having worked on several musical projects
spanning a variety of musical forays and genres, they reach this inevitable
defining point in their own musical chapters. Together, they collaborate to
write the material for the grand structure that is Chapter Two. Basing their
songs on their love for all things soulful, funky and pop, Chapter Two’s
music is undeniably their own. Subtle powerful vocals and undeniable guitar
abilities are the staple of Chapter Two’s sound and live, they are ably
backed by an illustrious array of musicians, utilizing the cream of the crop
from their own musical pasts to form a behemoth of sound which is rarely
heard today.
Kelly Dickson Quotes:
'I booked Kelly and her band for my wedding party, which was obviously a
fairly important gig as far as I was concerned - ! - and she was absolutely
superb, as were the band. They warmed up everyone up with some great jazz,
then stepped the pace up and had the dance floor going crazy. You know it's
a hot party when you see Bruno Tonioli dancing topless, Freddie Flintoff
jiving in a Viking helmet, and Christine Bleakley competing with Amanda
Holden to see who can limbo the lowest. I would recommend Kelly to anyone
who wants their bash to go with a bang.'
Piers Morgan
‘Chapter Two are a terrific band to watch live and Kelly Dickson’s
fabulous vocals add a really interesting dimension to the show’
Mike Vitti, Jazz FM
"Kelly Dickson is a force 10 hurricane bursting with energy, power and an
outstanding voice, once heard never forgotten. Absolutely brilliant!".
Liane Carroll
“Kelly's voice knocked me out the very first time I heard it, she is
one of our countries best and most versatile vocalists, she has great
technique and tone yet can belt them out with the best of them! Kelly is a
great singer and a great musician”.
Steve White
“Dickson is a thoughtful singer with a lustrous tone”
John Fordham, The Guardian
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"A highly individual, mature voice with very subtle power that creeps up on
you"
Jamie Cullum
"I heard three notes and I was hooked."
George Garzone
"Kelly Dickson is sparkling! She is full of life and swing-the very essence
of jazz!"
Tina May
"Kelly Dickson has a feel for jazz articulation."
Jack Massarick, Evening Standard, UK
"When you first see Kelly, you'll want to see more of her. Then, when she
begins to sing, you'll want to keep hearing as much as you can."
Gene Perla
"Whatever you do, don't miss Kelly... Singers with her talent don't come
around very often. She has a great feeling and exuberance for the music,
combined with a lovely voice with wonderful intonation"
Harry Allen
"I recently had the great pleasure of seeing and hearing Kelly Dickson
perform and was knocked out by her singing ... just as everyone else was in
the packed London club. Be sure to check her out; she's a talented and
vivacious vocalist!"
Peter Erskine
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