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Kelly Dickson has gained a reputation as a fine jazz/soul singer on the
British music scene. Born in Northern Ireland and raised in the north of
England, she knew from an early age that she would make a career in music and
began taking singing lessons at the age of 12. Aged 17 Kelly was already
active on the studio session scene and this subsequently led to a record deal
with Polydor.
At 21, Kelly discovered a love for jazz, and the ‘Kelly Dickson Quintet’
became frequent and in demand performers on the northern jazz circuit. In
2000 she relocated to London and soon established herself as a singer in the
capital. She graduated with a degree in Jazz Studies from Middlesex
University in 2002. In 2003 Kelly travelled to New York and recorded her
debut jazz album ‘Vocal Point’ (Lady K Records) with some of New York's
finest musicians, including Gene Perla, John Riley, Tim Harrison and renowned
saxophonist George Garzone. Widely respected pianist Nikki Iles accompanied
Kelly on two tracks later recorded in London. In 2005, after being spotted
singing by drummer Steve White, she was asked to record and perform with the
‘Players’ an authentic funk / soul outfit consisting of three of Britain’s
most prolific session musicians, Steve White, Damon Minchella and Mick
Talbot. She went on to write and record on the ‘Players’ second album "From
the Six Corners" (Sanctuary Records) and they were also joined by The
Papenfus brothers Ken and Carl.
In January 2007 she returned back to New York with Norwegian guitarist Werner
Kristiansen and recorded a second jazz album, again heavily featured by
George Garzone. (The album is due out in Spring 2008 on Lady K Records). In
October 06 Kelly and Werner also started work on their originals project
‘Jacôby’ and recorded ‘6 Ways’ a nu soul EP featuring Mick Talbot.. Kelly is
currently in the process of writing material with the ‘Players’ for their
third album and also working on material for the ‘Jacôby’ debut album.
Kelly Dickson Quotes:
"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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