Fiona Ross News
October Scotland News!
Hello and welcome to my October news so far! It’s just a quickie really as I will do another update at the end of the month when I am back from Scotland!
I am so excited to be off to Scotland tomorrow for my mini tour! I cannot wait. Edinburgh and Aberdeen, here I come along with Loren Hignell (sax) and Derek Daley (Bass). Really grateful for so many people spreading the word. Here is a lovely article by Isabel Marquez for Jazz in Europe: Click here to read
‘Considering her Scottish roots, it is surprisingly that this is the first time she is playing in Scotland. Her father, who passed when she was a child, was born in Forfar, near Edinburgh, and was one of the youngest of a family of 15 and so Fiona comes from a very rich Scottish heritage. Owning bookshops in Edinburgh, town criers and even a rumoured relationship with J M Barrie, stories of her Scottish family have been part of Fiona’s upbringing from an early age. ‘I was proudly presented with a Ross kilt when I was about six – it doesn’t fit me anymore! Especially since my father passed, I have always felt a strong connection with Scotland as part of him and I am so very excited to come and play. Sadly, a lot of my close relatives from Scotland have now passed. My Uncle George, was known as quite the character. Lived by a golf course, drank whiskey and played golf every day right up until he passed at 100!’’
I am also very grateful for Fiona Mactaggart sharing my gigs in her wonderful Scottish Jazz Space site - click here to read and all of the attention from What’s On in Edinburgh and Aberdeen. I have been a little worried about tickets - I don’t know if anyone knows me in Scotland! Hopefully I will have a lovely audience, fingers crossed! If you are in Edinburgh or Aberdeen or know anyone there, I would really appreciate any sharing!
I have written 3 new songs especially for these gigs which will also be included on my new album. ‘I’m Going Travelling’ - you can hear a little bit of this in my trailer below - ‘Let’s Take It Slow’ and ‘Voices Unheard’, written for a vocals, double bass and saxophone line up which is what I am taking to Scotland. Click below for tickets:
October 13th at Whighams, Edinburgh
I have also been working very hard on my new album - more on that in my next newsletter!
On My To Do List
- Pack for Scotland
- Travel to Scotland
- Sort out set list
- Perform in Scotland
- Come home!
- Listen to first mixes of new album ( 15 songs)
- Record remaining 6 songs
- Finish mixing all 21 songs!
- Sort out Paris trip!
Thank you all so much for supporting my work and following me. I say this every time, but that is because it is true! I am always very happy to hear from any of you - so do email me if you have a question or a comment: info@fionaross.co.uk although, sorry if it takes me a while to reply, but I will!
As always, I shall finish with saying thank you. I am so very grateful to be able to do my thing and literally couldn’t do it without you.
My links are here:
https://linktr.ee/fionarossmusic
https://linktr.ee/fionarossjournalism
Two of my songs are available as digital sheet music with the mighty Hal Leonard, the world's largest music print publisher
Fiona Ross September 2024 News
Hello and welcome to my September news! And sorry, it appears I missed some August news…at least you all know your inbox is never full of loads of emails from me! I hope everyone taking the time to read this is feeling good and some of you may have had a holiday! I’ve heard of these things, but been a while since I had one. It’s on my to do list…
First up, gigs! I am very excited about my next gig. London, Hampstead Jazz Club with my trio - Dave Boa (Trumpet) and Gibbi Bettini (Guitar), Sept 20th. I do hope to see some of you there as this will be my last London gig for a while before I go off to Scotland!
After that I am I off to Scotland for my mini tour! I cannot wait. Edinburgh and Aberdeen, here I come along with Loren Hignell (sax) and Derek Daley (Bass). I have written 3 new songs especially for these gigs which will also be included on my new album (more on that in a minute). Why Scotland? Well, for those of you who don’t know, I come from a very rich Scottish heritage. My father was born in Forfar, near Edinburgh and was one of 15! So, lots of Scottish relatives. I was presented with a kilt with the Ross tartan when I was a child and I have lots of Scottish stories to tell, which I am really looking forward to telling at my gigs! Click below for tickets:
October 13th at Whighams, Edinburgh
So what have I been doing? I have been very busy writing and recording my next album! It has been intense but so much fun. I have now recorded 17 songs out of the 21 planned for my next album. So nearly there! Here is a little video with some photos from the sessions and a sneaky bit of one of my new tracks.
Since my last newsletter, I launched the latest Women in Jazz Media magazine, which was epic but wonderful. You can access the magazine here I interviewed the brilliant bassist/composer Endea Owens, The UK Black Female Photography Collective, trombonist/composer Laura Impallomeni my thoughts on the Dee Dee Bridgewater gig I attended at Ronnie Scotts and also included in the magazine is my latest Thoughts, Conversations and To Do List podcast episode with the mighty Tulani Kowalski Bridgewater
On My To Do List
- Finish writing and then recording the remaining 4 songs for my new album. I am at the studio this week to do some of this.
- Organise Paris trip for album cover shoot with Monika S Jakubowska
- Scottish tour planning - set list, rehearsal, itinerary, and cat feeding duties etc.
- Confirm set list for Hampstead Jazz Club gig
- Mixing new album!
- Writing up some interviews and book reviews for Jazz in Europe and Women in Jazz Media.
- London Jazz Festival planning for Women in Jazz Media
- Planning a trip to Oxford! I have been invited to attend the Oxford Cultural Leaders Alumni day, which is wonderful.
- Finish reading ‘The Jazzmen: How Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Count Basie Transformed America
Photo taken by Ron Milsom from my recent gig at Crazy Coqs, in London. Such a brilliant night!
Thank you all so much for supporting my work and following me. I still struggle to regularly post on all my social media channels, but know that I am busy doing my thing and I am thankful for your patience. I am always very happy to hear from any of you - so do email me if you have a question or a comment: info@fionaross.co.uk although, sorry if it takes me a while to reply, but I will!
As always, I shall finish with saying thank you. I am so very grateful to be able to do my thing and literally couldn’t do it without you.
My links are here:
https://linktr.ee/fionarossmusic
https://linktr.ee/fionarossjournalism
Two of my songs are available as digital sheet music with the mighty Hal Leonard, the world's largest music print publisher
Click here to purchase For My Dad
Click here to purchase Looking At My To Do List
April 2024 News!
Hello and welcome to my April news! I hope everyone is well and thank you so much for your time and support reading this email. Those of you that know me, know that I value time very, very highly and even 5 mins is precious, so I do appreciate you taking the time to read this.
The photo above by Monika S Jakubowska is me feeling pleased with myself for sending another newsletter and finally mowing my lawn! I am also excited about my making my debut next week at the award winning Green Note Club in Camden, London with Gibbi Bettini on Guitar and Loren Hignell on sax. I will also be performing a brand new song! It’s a small venue and there are not many tickets, so please do book now! It would be lovely to see you. Here is the link:
I was thrilled to hear yesterday, that I have been nominated by the International Singer Songwriters Association for some awards! So wonderful. The next stage is a public vote and I believe it’s the most number of votes that goes through to the next stage. The voting period will run from April 2nd to April 30th, with the poll closing at midnight EST on April 30th. One vote per day, per device (cell phone, laptop, tablet, etc) per I.P. address is allowed. If you would like to vote for me, that would be really lovely and do please click here to vote
I am in the studio soon! I cannot wait!! I normally wait until all my songs are written for an album before I look at recording, but with 21 songs to write, I am missing working with my musicians, so decided to record a single while I finish writing the rest of the material for my next album. I will be sharing videos and photos of the session on social media so do keep an eye out.
On My To Do List
I was thrilled to be offered a place on the very prestigious Oxford Cultural Leaders programme at Oxford University. And no, I don’t have time, and yes, I am crazy, but I could hear my Mother saying ‘one doesn’t turn down Oxford’ and she would have been in her element telling everyone that her daughter went to Oxford, so…I said yes. It’s a one week intensive programme which I hope will help me in a range of ways and especially my Women in Jazz Media work and using my platforms to support the community.
Also On My To Do List
Trip to Paris! I go often but always go every year around May to spend time with some wonderful people.
I have a few articles to write and one which I am struggling with. I went to see Dee Dee Bridgewater at Ronnie Scott’s and it was the most powerful gig I think I have ever been to. I need to find the words to write about it.
Finishing writing my album - the last song I wrote is called ‘Stop Sending Me So Many Emails’ so this may give you an insight…I may change the title of that one, but this 3/4 hook won’t leave my mind and I always just write what comes into my head at that moment.
I was excited to be nominated by the National Diversity Awards recently - this is my third year in a row, which is really amazing.
I miss playing!! Still finding it very hard to juggle everything with my different hats but I am trying. My amazing booking agent is working hard and more dates are coming through. I will be playing in a range of settings - with my full band, some trios and even a few gigs completely on my own - although hopefully an audience! You can find tickets for my gigs here
May 23rd at Toulouse Lautrec, full band
August 9th at Crazy Coqs, full band
September 18th at Pizza Express, full band
September 20th, Hampstead Jazz Club, Trio
Mini Scotland Tour in October
Italy tour before Xmas!
I could say som much more but I shall finish with saying thank you to everyone who supports my work, whether that is following me on social media, streaming my music or buying my CDS. I am so very grateful to be able to do my thing and literally couldn’t do it without you. Thank you to everyone who follows and supports my Thoughts, Conversations and To Do Lists podcast. As always, I am excited! I am busy recording new episodes full of people that inspire me, so I do hope you will follow me there. The podcast is on all platforms and you can find them all here You can also follow me on my new podcast Facebook page here
My links are here:
Two of my songs are available as digital sheet music with the mighty Hal Leonard, the world's largest music print publisher
Click here to purchase For My Dad
Click here to purchase Looking At My To Do List
April News
Hi Everyone! Ok, so I know it's May but only just, so this is my April news!
My new album Thoughts, Conversations and To Do Lists is now out!!! You can find out more about it on my music page here. It's available on all normal platforms digitally, and physical copies available through Bandcamp here
I had such a wonderful album launch at Pizza Express Soho. Thank you all so much if you came to see me, shared or supported the night! Here is a wonderful photo from Ron Milsom:
Reviews are coming in and so far everyone has been so very wonderful and I am so grateful for the support and very kind words.
Nick Lea of Jazz Views says 'The album is littered with such stories, feelings and emotions that we can all connect with, and it is this empathy for others, and her ability to communicate these feelings while lifting the spirits of all around her that make Fiona Ross’s music such a joy' You can read the full review here
Nigel Farmer of Jazz of Europe explains 'Her voice is uniquely expressive, her lyrics fearless, with an uncanny ability to send arrows of emotional flight that softly penetrate. If you fully surrender, leaving bias on the doormat with your shoes, enter her lyrical exhibition, and get to know and appreciate this artist as the honest self-funded, self-produced powerhouse artist that is Fiona Ross' You can read the full review here
Excited to have my music featured in Brazil, and Os Garotos de Liverpool - Tudo Sobre Música have said 'Having a technical grandeur, beautiful melodic vocal range and instrumentation that gives peace to our mind and also the desire to listen to this work more and more times with a very well elaborated lyricism, this project deserves even more prominence for having been composed, arranged and produced by artist herself, she addressed several themes that reflect the artist's day-to-day life, but that can also be related to us' You can see the feature here
If you would like to more reviews, do keep an eye on my press page here
As well as my new album, I am excited to launch my new podcast series, with the same name! I have already had some incredible guests and wonderful conversations with Ashaine White Kim Cypher David Jonathan & The Inner City Bedlam Isabel Marquez Eric Alper Dave Boa Jemma Freese Derek Daley Enid Farber and more! Every podcast guest is someone who inspires me and who I have previously had a wonderful conversation with. With no theme, the field is open for a wide range of fascinating conversations!
The podcasts are on all major podcast platforms and available here
My next gig is at Westerham Jazz Club on May 17th, where I will be playing for the first time, in partnership with Kind of Jazz. Trio gig with Loren Hignell on sax and Derek Daley on Double Bass. Tickets available here
I shall be back soon with more news, but in the meantime, thank you all so much for your support and kindness x
March 2023 News
Hi everyone!
Sorry it has been a few months since my last news. Can't believe it is March already! Lots of things have been happening and I am very happy to share some of them with you.
Very happy to announce my new album, firstly is called 'Thoughts, Conversations and To Do Lists' and now has a release date! It will be available on all platforms on April 28th - both digital and physical. I will be sharing lots of news and information about this, so do keep and eye out - and thank you if you do!
Loved working with the wonderful Monika S Jakubowska for my album cover and here is a one of the photos from my album cover shoot!
Lots of gigs coming in as part of a mini album tour. First is my album launch at Pizza Express Soho on April 27th, with my full band
Next is May 17th, where I will be making my debut at the wonderful new Westerham Jazz Club. This will be my acoustic set with some double bass and sax. Tickets available soon.
June 16th I will be returning to Hampstead Jazz Club, with a little guitar and trumpet. Love playing there. Tickets available soon.
My full band will be playing at Toulouse Lautrec in June - date and tickets to be confirmed shortly!
Hope to see some of you there!
Love playing at Jazz Cafe Posk recently with Derek Daley and Loren Hignell and a special guest Marco Piccioni. Here is a fab shot from Tatiana Gorilovsky.
And for those of you who follow my other work...the latest Women in Jazz Media magazine has now been published! I was so lucky to interview one of my heroes Rickie Lee Jones. This was quite the moment for me.
There are loads of incredible women and interesting articles to read and the new magazine is online only and free!
That's it for the moment - but thank you all so much for your support. I really appreciate it!
Love Fi x
January News 2023!
Firstly, happy new year to everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful break and managed to take a breath with those you love x
Thank you to those of you that came to see me perform at Hampstead Jazz Club just before Xmas. Such a wonderful night, performing my acoustic set with Loren Hignell on sax and Gibbi Bettini on guitar. It was also lots of fun to debut two songs from my upcoming album, which everyone seemed to love, so fingers crossed you will like the recorded versions. My acoustic sets seem to go down quite well and are lots of fun, so I am thinking about doing a few more acoustic gigs this year - keep an eye out for dates! I didn't have a photographer at Hampstead Jazz Club this time, but here are some fab audience shots.
It is full steam ahead with my new album now! I had wonderful time at Highfield Studio just before Xmas, mixing the album with Warren Woodcraft and Elliot Richardson. I also added a little bit of percussion too! I am now just working on a photo shoot for the album cover, mastering, launch gig date and then all the behind the scenes stuff to hopefully release in March or April, at the latest. I really shouldn't share anything yet, as it has not been mastered, but here is a sneaky little video of some of my new songs. I do hope you like!
For those of you that are interested in my journalism work, the December edition of the Women in Jazz Media magazine was published just before Xmas. Thank you for all of your kind words and support with this. You can have a look here: Women in Jazz Media December 2022 magazine
Thank you all so much for your kindness and support - it really means the world to me and I am so very grateful. Please always reach out if you have any questions or just want to say hi!
Love Fi x
November News!
I am returning to Hampstead Jazz Club, after my sell out performance in June with my exclusive acoustic set on December 9th!
Tickets available here
My recent performance at the EFG London Jazz Festival seem to go down a storm! So much fun! Very grateful for this brilliant review on Kind of Jazz:
‘It was a great way to start this year’s London Jazz Festival. Fiona’s music is hard to define, as she rarely plays straight-ahead jazz, but with elements of pop-jazz, funk and stripped-back simplicity, too, there was so much to enjoy, all bound together by Fiona’s boundless energy and heart-on-sleeve lyrics. A musical feast, from soup to nuts!’
You can read the full article here
Wonderful photos from the night from Ron Milsom:
I am still busy recording what will be my 7th album which is due to be released early 2023. Music due to be completed in December. Stay tuned for more info!
Alongside my music, I have started a new Instagram page for my journalism work - you can follow here and my recent articles include Hannah Horton and Soho Jazz Week
A new Crowdfunding campaign has started for Women in Jazz Media. Any support, very, very much appreciate. You can contribute here
Thank you for reading!
October News!
I am really looking forward to my next gig as part of EFG London Jazz Festival on Friday November 11th! It's my first time performing at Jazz Cafe Posk, London and I am very happy to have all my musicians with me, plus the incredible Migdalia Van Der Hoven who will be a special guest for a few songs. I am also going to play a few brand new songs from my new album, which is coming out in 2023. You can buy tickets here
I was recently interviewed by Norman Warwick for Sidetracks And Detours and I am so very grateful for Norman's kind words and for writing such a wonderful article.
‘That Fiona is still following her own path, and helping others, without compromising what is a more than successful career, (however you measure ´success) is in itself a fantastic achievement. That she states hopes and dreams in such simplistic fashion, that she has fan bases in countries she has not yet played in but that she would love to play in one day makes it even the more thrilling that she took time to contact us’
You can read the full article here
Tickets are now on sale for my gig at Hampstead Jazz Club on December 9th. So very happy to be returning here after a sell out crowd last time I performed here - and such a wonderful audience! You can buy tickets here
And some of you may know I have been working on my next album....all the music will be recorded by the end of the year and I am busy deciding on a release date for early 2023. I am loving every minute of it so do follow me on social media for updates. Here is a sneaky peek...
Thank you so much for reading!
February Update!
I do hope everyone is well and thought it was about time I sent out a little update! So sorry for the delay, but hopefully if you follow my work then you may be watching me on social media where I do seem to manage to update things more often than on here.
As always, I have been Busy Always Busy...
I am very grateful for the incredible support and recognition of my latest album Red Flags and High Heels. Wow. You can find all of my reviews on my press page, but here are some amazing quotes. I am so very grateful for peoples time and care in listening to my music.
‘Another excellent release from Ms. Ross that will brighten up the most dreary of winter days that lie ahead and leave you smiling’ Jazz Views
‘Being able to connect with a singer and song writer who can find the strength to share such deeply personal words with us in such a way that makes us feel safe, is rare’ Celine Peterson
‘Inspired collectivity and brassiness by Ross’s nine-piece ensemble; impeccable taste in the choice of who does what and when and for how long; and, above it all, the tell-it-as-it-is voice of Ross herself’ Jazz Journal
‘Her playing is lovingly understated, an impressionistic soundscape over which her vocals flow like a stream’ London Jazz News
‘An artist who has been on stage since a child, performing in a vast range of areas, from adverts to West-End, gaining her first lead at just the age of 8. From this, and her album, it really exerts her total passion for music – a true artist who has dedicated a lifetime to the artistry of music’ Quite Great
I have been busy gigging and here is a shot from my last gig, which I was thrilled to have sold out, from the wonderful Ron Milsom:
I was absolutely thrilled to have been recognised by the Global Music Awards for my latest album so I can now say 'the award winning album Red Flags and High Heels! It really is wonderful to have this recognition and support from such an amazing organisation. I am also very excited about the incredible support for my music in Canada with some big radio play coming very soon. I am hoping to go and perform there as soon as I can!
With my journalism hat on, I recently interviewed Jazzmeia Horn and Andy Milne for Jazz in Europe and if you follow my Women in Jazz Media work, you may have seen the latest magazine, where I interviewed my hero Hiromi. I was also excited to be asked to take part in this great series 'Always Read The Label' showcasing some of the greatest and most innovative record labels in the world. Hosted by Cerys Matthews. I was honoured to take part in episode 5 about Blue Note with legends Ron Carter, Michael Cuscuna, Gregory Porter and more! You can keep up with all of my journalism work here
And finally, for now...I have just finished recording a new album. Just a little acoustic album - Seven Songs in Seven days - that I wanted to do before my next full band album. Here is a little behind the scenes shot from Warren Woodcraft. It's just me, Gibbi Bettini on guitar and a little trumpet from Dave Boa on a couple of songs. More info soon!
I do hope everyone is well and thank you for all of your amazing support - it really does mean the world to me.
October News
So much happening this month, this is part one of my October news. Firstly, and to be honest, most importantly, I would just like to thank you all for being so wonderful and supporting me and my work. I am reminded everyday of peoples kindness and support and it really does mean the world to me. Time is precious and if you decide to even spend 5 mins of it, with me, then that really says so much to me, thank you x
So, onto business! I have a new album coming out! I am very excited. My album launch is at Pizza Express in Soho, London on October 6th, a venue I haven't played before and I have so many wonderful special guests coming. Kim Cypher, Migdalia van der Hoven, Charlotte Keeffe and I am going to include Ron Milsom here as special guest, as it really will be a treat to have him there. I will also be playing with Hannah Horton for the first time too - such an incredible line up!
Tickets are available here - and I do hope some of you will come! Red Flags and High Heels Album Launch
Here is a little trailer:
Quite a lot of press happening at the moment, which is wonderful! I was interviewed by Seb Scotney for London Jazz News here: Interview with London Jazz News and I also had my first review in from Jazz in Europe where, Nigel Farmer said many wonderful things: Jazz in Europe Review. Fingers crossed more reviews come in that also like my new album! I had lots of fun talking to Robin Phillips for Deluxe Radio on his 'The Jazz Show with Robin Phillips' and have many more interviews planned over the next few weeks, so stay tuned!
With my journalist hat on, I have been busy writing articles for various publications including these:
Ashaine White: Kicking Down The Door
Migdalia van der Hoven: Getting Down to the Business of Groove
and upcoming articles include Hannah Alper, Jazzmeia Horn, Sheila Jordan and one of my heroes Hiromi.
and finally, some fabulous admin...
If you are interested in following my work ( and thank you so much if you do!), please do sign up to my mailing list. I promise to only email once in a while and will try and keep it interesting. You can sign up here: Fiona Ross Mailing List
My music is available on all normal platforms, but I have also just created a Bandcamp page, where you can find my albums: Fiona Ross Bandcamp
Thank you all so much! x
September News
Hope everyone is doing well! Can't believe it is September already...
I have been Busy Always Busy...My new album is going full steam ahead and August has been filled with mixing and mastering and I was thrilled to work with Highfield Studio and Fluid Mastering again. Thank you to Warren Woodcraft for some behind the scenes shots:
Excited to have my album launch gig now confirmed for London on October 6th at Pizza Express, Soho! I have some wonderful special guests including Migdalia Van Der Hoven, Charlotte Keeffe and Kim Cypher. I also very exited to have the wonderful photographer Ron Milsom capturing the night. I do hope some of you will join me!
Tickets available here: https://www.pizzaexpresslive.com/whats-on/fiona-ross-red-flags-and-high-heels
And finally...although there are many things I could say, it's all about my new album at the moment, so here is my little trailer - I do hope you will enjoy!
July News
Hope everyone is keeping well and welcome to my July update! As always lots of things happening, so here are just a few highlights...
I was very excited to be interviewed by Darrell Craig Harris for the Music Matters show recently. I always have so much fun with Darrell and he is always incredibly supportive of my work. It's available on all platforms: Globally known Jazz vocalist, composer, producer, music journalist - Fiona Ross - is our guest on Switcher Chats with Darrell Craig Harris
It was wonderful to be asked to perform at the Langtoun Jazz Festival this year. Sadly, no live audience, but I had an amazing time recording a live performance. Thank you so much if you bought tickets and watched! Some highlights are available here:
I have a gig!! As you know, gigs have not been happening but they are slowly starting to happen again, and I am thrilled to be back at Toulouse Lautrec in October for a pre album launch gig. Tickets available here: Come and see Fi in London
The main thing I am doing at the moment is working on my new album. It's very nearly there! Coming out in November, I will be sharing more and more over the next few months in the hope you may like it when it comes out! Here's a few behind the scenes studio shots:
Thank you all for reading, listening, liking and supporting my work. It really does mean the world to me. Special shout out to Ron Milsom who as well as being an incredible photographer, is one of my biggest supporters. Thank you Ron! Photo by Warren Woodcraft.
xx
June 2021 update
So sorry for the delay with this update, I do hope you will forgive me. So many exciting things happening!
So firstly I was thrilled to be asked to perform at the Langtoun Jazz Festival this year, June 25th to 27th. Sadly, online, but I took advantage and we performed a live set at the incredible Union Chapel in London. The event is being live streamed , so do keep an eye out for links. Here are some wonderful photos taken by Tatiana Gorilovsky
I have been busy working on my next album, which is due to release in November. Currently half way through and I have been having an amazing time in the studio working with incredible people. Here's a couple of behind the scenes shots:
I released a new live single on International Jazz Day called 'You Can Smile'. Such an exciting project. Warren Woodcraft created a video for the song with 50 different smiles, which I do hope makes you smile when you are watching it. The wonderful photographer Ron Milsom came into the studio with us and took some incredible photos of our day, altogether in one live session, which was much overdue. I was honoured the the amazing Kim Cypher agreed to be a guest for the day and her playing on the track is wonderful!
I was also hugely humbled to receive a nomination from the National Diversity Awards. This is such an honour, and thank you so much to whoever nominated me!
Lots more happening, but I shall stop here and finish by wishing everyone well. I do hope you all know how much I appreciate your support. I honestly couldn't do what I do without it x
March 2021
Goodness, so much has happened since I last updated my news, not sure where to begin! I am continually grateful for the opportunities I have and the amazing people who believe in me.
International Women's Day was a fantastic day to celebrate women across the world and I was very honoured to be involved in quite a few projects.
I was interviewed by London Jazz News and this wonderful article came out on IWD: Interview with Fiona Ross
The fantastic After Eight Radio Show, asked me to be involved in their special International Women's Day feature: IWD on The After Eight Show
Helena Summerfield invited me on to her 'Mid Week Jazz' show which was so much fun! Midweek Jazz with Fiona Ross
And finally Lindsey Huckrak invited a group of wonderful women - and me - into the studio for a wonderful discussion: Lindsey's Jazz Choices
I have also been podcast crazy and have been fortunate enough to be asked onto several shows.
The fantastic Collette Cooper hosts the 'Sisters in the Shadow's show and it was a huge honour to be asked on and I loved talking to Collette. The show is available on Spotify here: Sisters in the Shadow Fiona Ross and Collette Cooper
I also had an amazing time talking The Groove Coast Podcast, available here: The Groove Coast Podcast with Fiona Ross
Journalism work has been going strong, with the release of my first time as Editor in Chief! I was extremely honoured and excited to be the guest editor in chief for this edition of Jazz Quarterly: Jazz Quarterly January 2021
My new organisation Women in Jazz Media has been keeping me very busy and I am so thrilled with the support. We produced a special edition magazine to celebrate International Women's Day. Available for free here: A Celebration of Women If you do want to keep up tp date with all that work, please go to the Women in Jazz Media site: Women in Jazz Media
And finally, I am so very happy to be back in the studio this month! Two live session performances coming up and I am starting to record material for the new album. Can't wait! More info on that in the next news update.
Thank you so much for reading my news and I really appreciate all the support you all give me - it means the world to me x
January 2021
Wow, 2021, here we are!
So many things I could say about the past year, but let's just go with, this year will be better! I created a little 2020 reflection video with some of the highlights of my year, and I have been incredibly lucky and fortunate and I am so very thankful to everyone who has supported me.
This year is all about my next album! I am busy finishing off the writing and hope to be having first rehearsal and studio sessions in February. We are still in lockdown in London, and although I delayed this album last year due to to this, I am not going to delay it anymore - have to do it! I will keep everyone up to date with lots of behind the scenes and hope you enjoy the process.
Very busy with my journalism work at the moment, and due to lockdown and no live music, I focussed on this quite a bit. Honoured to be guest Editor in Chief for the next edition of Jazz Quarterly, which comes out this month and I worked hard to create a safe space. A place to discover new music. A place where the legacy of jazz is explored and respected, whilst the new is joyfully welcomed and explored. A place where you don’t have to fight to be heard and where barriers and challenges are discussed bravely and with honesty. A place where diversity is real from every angle – in front of the microphone and camera and equally behind the scenes and where everybody’s voice is valued. A place to be inspired and where you can see possibilities. Hope you see all of that when it comes out.
I am very excited to be the founder of a new organisation called Women in Jazz Media. It's a place to explore, discuss and collaborate with women who work in Jazz media and I have been overwhelmed by the support. If you would like to know more, please have a look at our website www.womeninjazzmedia.com
Wishing you all a better, exciting and wonderful 2021. Thank you all for your incredible support and love. I am more grateful than you will probably ever realise x
September 2020 Update
Firstly, apologies for how long it has been since my last official news update. My last update was March, just before the UK went into lockdown due to the COVID 19 situation and I figured the least important thing you all wanted to hear, was from me - much more important things to think about. But, I feel it is now time to update you all and try to get back to some kind of normality. But I do want to send lots of love to everyone during these crazy times x
During the lockdown, I ran a 'Lunchtime Lockdown' series for Jazz in Europe, speaking to artists across the world to hopefully motivate and inspire us all. Jason Miles, Ola Onabule, Snow Owl, Lori Williams, Wendy Kirkland and Lara Jones to name a few.
https://jazzineurope.mfmmedia.nl/2020/04/fiona-rosss-lunchtime-lockdown/
With all gigs cancelled, I have been desperate to meet up and play with the incredible musicians I work with. So the minute Premises Studios, in London, opened up again in July, I booked a session. We all had so much fun and filmed the sessions ready for release. Here are some of the stunning photos taken by Steven Tiller:
So, very happy to announce I am releasing a video only live session album on September 18th! 9 songs, all recorded live in London. 7 songs were recorded at the Premises Studio on July 28th and 2 songs at St Cuthberts Church, 2 days before the lockdown.
March Update
Crazy times across the world right now. Sending my love and best wishes to everyone during this challenging time. Along with all other artists, I have no gigs or performance now for a few months as everything has been cancelled. But they will return and I am, as ever, positive. I did write a little blog about my thoughts so far, and I will probably do another one or two over the next few months. I want to keep everything as positive as possible though!
I had an incredible time working on a video shoot at the beginning of March in the beautiful St Cuthberts Church in London. Two live performance videos with my bassist Derek Daley, which will be released very soon. Here's a few behind the scenes shots.
The competition on The Jazz UK finishes at the end of this month - huge thanks to the Jazz UK for their amazing support!
http://the-jazz-uk.radiowebsite.co/contests/win-signed-fiona-ross-items-and-jazz-uk-items-6
I have been very busy writing and interview for various publications. It was wonderful to chat to Bria Skonberg about her career and I was very excited to attend and review the incredible Kim Cypher gig at the Pizza Express.
Bria Skonberg: Making Things Happen
Sending lots of love to everyone - and do keep in touch! I'm all over social media if you would like to say Hi!
February Update
Lots of news to mention as we missed a month of updates - sorry!
Fi had the big launch of the video for her track ‘For My Dad’ exclusively premiered by Darryl Sterdan at Tinnitist over in Canada. https://tinnitist.com/2020/01/13/fiona-ross-for-my-dad-exclusive-video-premiere/
Talking of Canada, we are thrilled to announce that Fi is now working with the incredible Eric Alper. Eric has worked with a truly incredible list of artists and Fi is very excited to see what the future holds! https://www.thatericalper.com/
Wonderful online exhibition of Fi featuring an interview, photos and art work by Chris Cunningham, live from Jan27th to Feb 26th only. https://www.jaamzin.com/fiona-ross
Interview on Crazy Mind: https://www.thecrazymind.com/2019/12/fierce-and-non-compliant-jazz-vocalist.html
Competition to win a signed copy of special edition magazine from Jaazmin. Only available through the Jazz UK: http://the-jazz-uk.radiowebsite.co/contests/win-signed-fiona-ross-items-and-jazz-uk-items-6
Fi has had some great radio play lately including Sandy Letham’s Ladies Jazz night, which went down a storm! https://twitter.com/Cartelage
Fi was selected as Artist of the day for Your Forte HQ
‘We are excited to share "Be On My Side" from Fiona's latest album, "Fierce and Non-Compliant". The track is raw and emotional, with the lyrics speaking from a relatable place; every one of us - at some point or another - has put on a mask to get through the day/week, when all we really wanted was for someone to be on OUR side!
Despite the realism of the lyrics, the track itself is swathed in upbeat, latin rhythms, slick guitar riffs, smooth sax, and rhythmic backing vocals. This number on the album particularly spoke to us and we know that you will be humming it for hours after listening! Catchy and addictive’
https://www.facebook.com/yourfortehq/videos/447930819215070/
This month sees Fi recording some live sessions in the wonderful St Cuthberts Church in London, with her bassist Derek Daley which will be published in March.
More news soon!
December 2019 News
Fi has had some great gigs in the last few months, playing at Toulouse Lautrec in London and finishing the year in the gorgeous village of Alfriston in Sussex, playing at Waterloo Square Art Gallery.
Fi was honoured to be asked to present some awards to some incredible Italian music students in Bologna, Italy in the beautiful Palazzo d'Accursio. She also spent some time with some wonderful Italian buskers.
The new album 'Fierce and Non-Compliant' has seen Fi receive some incredible recognition around the world. She was extremely honoured to have been awarded 'Outstanding Achievement' from the Global Music Awards this month.
Lots of fun with the last photo shoot of the year this month with Cat Andrade. Here's a couple of shots.
We would all like to wish everyone a wonderful holiday time and an incredible New Year. Thank you for all of your support!
October 2019 update
Lots of exciting news!
Fi was overwhelmed to have her album 'Fierce and Non-Compliant' submitted and accepted to the Grammy awards® for Best Jazz Vocal Album. A 'for your consideration' campaign has now begun!
Fi would like to thank everyone for the incredible support and kind words she has received.
'For My Dad' from the new album was recognised as a finalist for best Jazz song with the World Songwriting Awards. This is also the most played song from the new album on Spotify.
Continuing the 'Fierce and Non-Compliant' UK tour with next gig is at Toulouse Lautrec, in London:
Another fab review in, this time from Australia: https://thebandcampdiaries.com/post/188494235432/fiona-ross-fierce-and-non-compliant-a-strong
All of Fi's press is here: http://www.fionaross.co.uk/press
Fi is excited to be presenting an award in Bologna next month to some incredible Italian musicians. More info in next months news!
Fi has also been confirmed as a UK judge again for the wonderful 7Virtual Jazz Club competition: https://7virtualjazzclub.net/en/judges/fiona-ross-uk/
And finally, Fi’s latest review for Jazz in Europe is here: https://jazzineurope.mfmmedia.nl/2019/10/judy-wexlers-crowded-heart-album-review
More news soon!
September 2019 update
Wonderful reviews still coming in for the new album. Latest review from Kind Of Jazz:
http://www.kindofjazz.com/index.php/component/k2/582-fiona-ross-fierce-and-non-compliant
Fi had a great gig at Zedels in London on Sept 7th to an absolutely packed house.
She also met the French Jazz writer Thierry Quenum who write a lovely review straight after the gig:
http://blogdegarenne.blogspot.com/2019/09/fiona-ross-band-cafe-zedel-le-crazy.html
That same weekend, Fi had a photo shoot at the incredible St Dunstan in the East in London, with Catarina Andrade. Mainly colour photos this time!
New gigs coming up soon - next one is in London at Toulouse Lautrec on November 8th:
https://www.toulouselautrec.co.uk/book-tickets?datepart=2019-11
Fi’s article on her trip to the Oslo Jazz Festival was published in Jazz in Europe:
https://jazzineurope.mfmmedia.nl/2019/08/oslo-jazz-festival-report-by-fiona-ross/
July 2019 update
Fi's intimate acoustic gig at Kadies Club in London was a fantastic night. Very cool and exclusive club that Idris Elba and other celebs frequent. Here's a couple of shots taken by Warren Woodcraft.
Fi’s next gig with her whole band is at the famous Zedel in London. Be ready for some fabulous.
https://www.brasseriezedel.com/live-at-zedel/fierce-and-non-compliant?date=196124669
Lot of great press around at the moment, with an interview with Women Music News:
https://womensmusicnews.com/2019/06/06/fiona-ross-fierce-and-non-compliant/
And an interview with MNGR magazine:
Fi was over the moon to interview her hero Michel Camilo for Jazz in Europe which is now available in the Summer magazine:
https://issuu.com/jazzineurope/docs/jazz-in-europe-magazine-summer-2019/10
After her trip to Paris in May, Fi wrote an article about the legend Josphine Baker. She is extremely grateful for the help and incredible support from Ricki Stevenson and Brian Scott Bagely.
https://jazzineurope.mfmmedia.nl/2019/07/josephine-baker-and-her-light-that-must-always-shine/
Fiona is also off to the Oslo Jazz Festival again in August to report on the event for Jazz in Europe.
More news soon!
June 2019 update
Everything has been crazy with Fi’s new album - which is going down a storm! Incredible reviews coming in from all over the world - all available here: fionaross.co.uk/press. Some highlights include:
"Fiona reaches into another stratosphere" - Music Interview Magazine
"Technical virtuosity and that raw emotional drive, of an artist at the height of her game" - Jazz Quarterly
"Fierce and Non-Compliant, and honest and true and oh so very talented" - Maxine Gordon
"Ross totally owns the music" - Jazz Views
Fiona recently played to some amazing crowds at the legendary Bulls Head and Pizza Express:
Next gig is an exclusive intimate evening at Kadies Club in London in July 18th:
https://www.facebook.com/fionarossmusic/videos/334350617496152
Fi has also been busy doing the press circuit, with some radio interviews:
Jazz Talk News: https://www.jazztalk.news/e/fierce-and-non-compliant-the-multi-talented-fiona-ross
Eclectic Radio Show: https://www.mixcloud.com/virginie-puiboube/eclectic-feat-fiona-ross-29th-may-2019/
Fi has also been to Paris where she spent time immersing herself in the Parisian Jazz life: https://jazzineurope.mfmmedia.nl/2019/06/theres-something-about-paris/
More news soon!
April 2019 update
So sorry for the delay in news! We have all been busy and excited about the new release!
April 18th is the launch of Fi’s new album 'Fierce and Non-Compliant' - You can read all about it here: http://www.fionaross.co.uk/music/album/4
Pre orders on the physical CD available through website only. Album will be available on all normal digital platforms from April 18th.
Fi had a great photo shoot with Steve Tiller recently, here’s some shots:
Gigs page is getting busy! Next gig is at the legendary Bulls Head in Barnes for the album launch. Here’s the ticket link:
And a video: https://www.facebook.com/fionarossmusic/videos/411346773016655
Fi has also had some great press coming in over the past month, including a video interview for Jazz in Europe which received an incredible amount of views in the first couple of days:
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2813840388842069
An article with Indie Music Women: https://indiemusicwomen.com/featured/fiona-ross-fierce-and-non-compliant/
Keep an eye on the press page for all of Fi’s articles.
Fi was honoured to have been nominated for four awards by the International Sing Songwriters Association
January 2019 update
Happy New year to everyone!
Fi has had a crazy packed start to the year already. First gig of the year at the famous 606 club in London on February 11th. Here’s the link:
The big news of course this month is Fi has been in studio recording the new album! Fi is recording at Studio XYZ again, which is where the last two albums were recorded. Do follow Fi on social media for video clips and regular studio footage and album updates. The album cover and title has now been revealed!
Fi had a great time being interviewed by Eamonn Lenihan "Lenihan has created something more than a late night soundscape of the finest music known to humanity; he has created something that is a work of art itself Sunday Independent." Here’s the link:
Amazing new review in this month for Fi’s last album over in Spain: "Fiona Ross is one of those musical phenomena that arise every so many years"
https://lahabitaciondeljazz.blogspot.com/2019/01/fiona-ross-cd-black-white-and-little.html
Fi also had a wonderful interview with Elizabeth Chute chatting about the new album:
https://passionandmeaning.com/latest-news-from-fiona-ross/
More news soon!
December 2018 update
Fi has had a crazy but exciting month so far.
Fi went to Vienna to record with a special guest for the new album, and the big reveal was…….the grammy nominated artist Snow Owl, is a special guest on two tracks on Fi’s next album. They recorded two songs in a castle in Vienna - the same castle that Snow Owl recorded his last album 'The Blue Road'. Please do have a look on Fi’s facebook page for more photos and info - including a reveal video.
Fi had lots of fun on the radio and was interviewed and performed two tracks live on the BBC with her guitarist Gibbi Bettini.
Maxine Gordon was in London for the launch of her new book about Dexter Gordon. Fi attended this event, with an article just published on Jazz Quarterly: http://www.stylequarterly.com/entertainment/the-jazz-room-jazz-quarterly-maxine-gordon-brings-her-sophisticated-giant-to-london-by-fiona-ross
Fi performed to a packed house and ended with a standing ovation at Colchester Arts Centre Jazz Club, which was her last gig of the year. Currently booking dates for 2019 for the new album tour. Keep an eye on the gigs page for announcements - first gig of the year at the 606 club in London.
Fi would like to thank you all for your support and wish you a wonderful Christmas holiday time.
November 2018 update
Two of Fi’s articles have been included in the Winter edition of the new Jazz in Europe magazine. Maxine Gordon and Eric Bibb. Available here: https://jazzineurope.mfmmedia.nl/2018/10/jazz-in-europe-magazine-winter-2018/
The new album is full steam ahead and the first recording session is this month, with a very special guest. All to be revealed soon!
Fi is excited to be on BBC Radio on November 28th - further details to follow. She will be performing a few songs live on air and chatting about all things!
Next gig is at the Colchester Arts Centre Jazz Club on December 2nd.
https://www.colchesterartscentre.com/events/jazz/fiona-ross-sextet-special-guest-marco-piccioni
October 2018 update
Lots of exciting things happening at the moment. Fi is busy writing the next album and starts recording next month, with some very special guests, which will be announced soon. Planned album release in April 2019.
Fi has been honoured to interview some inspirational women as part of her Women in Jazz series for Jazz in Europe – Maxine Gordon, Roseanna Vitro, Terri Lyn Carrington – with some more incredible women coming up soon.
https://jazzineurope.mfmmedia.nl/category/fiona-ross-women-in-jazz/
New video is coming out soon for the title track for recent album ‘Black, White and a Little Bit of Grey’. Lots of fun was had filming in Greenwich, London with Finnish Director Gugge Wasenius (photo below).
Fi was blown away by the response to her first article for Jazz Quartely - discussing the power of music and our social responsibility as artists with Eric Bibb, Snow Owl and Roseanna Vitro: http://www.stylequarterly.com/entertainment/the-jazz-room-jazz-briefs-the-truth-the-power-behind-the-song-by-fiona-ross
Next gig December 2nd!
