I am currently performing and / or working on projects with the following muscians:
Paul Harrison (piano), Euan Burton (bass), Martin Kershaw (sax), Graeme Stephen (guitar), Colin Steele (trumpet), Brian Kellock (piano), Stu Ritchie (drums), Julian Arguelles (sax), Mario Caribe (bass), Ronnie Rae Jnr (piano).
Influences
Carmen MacRae, Bob Dorough, Shirley Horne, Ricky Lee Jones, Nat King Cole, Miles Davis, Canonball Adderley, Nancy Wilson, Djavan, Christine Tobin and many more....
So far I've been studying vocal jazz for 12 years with some wonderful teachers like Sheila Jordan, Jay Clayton, Mark Murphy, Liane Carroll, Sophie Bancroft and Scottish vocal jazz veteran Fionna Duncan.
I'm the eldest of six talented siblings who've made their mark on the Scottish music scene. I was brought up in the true jazz tradition - my father is still a professional jazz musician and my mother was a music teacher. I grew up hearing Nat King Cole, Nancy Wilson, Chet Baker, Ray Brown, Weather Report and Cannonball Adderley, artists who remain influences on my music today. I am also really into Jimmy Hendrix, Quincy Jones, Earth Wind & Fire and Prince.
I began singing jazz professionally in the mid 1990s after studying with Fionna Duncan, Madeline Eastman and Sophie Bancroft and had the privilege of working with award winning pianist Brian Kellock, at the legendary Henry's Jazz Cellar in Edinburgh, on a weekly basis for almost 2 years....I was extremely lucky to have the opportunity.
My singing progress has been marked by critically acclaimed performances on the Tribute to Chet Baker album and concerts with Award-winning trumpeter Colin Steele. My debut CD as a leader was widely praised and critically acclaimed. I was once nominated as one of Scotland's most talented and influential "young" artists by Scotland on Sunday...yeh - looks can be decieving - I think I was just about to turn 40 at the time!
My latest album, Flow, produced by my lovely man Julian Arguelles, features pianist Steve Hamilton and saxophonist Martin Kershaw, alongside bassist Aidan O'Donnell, drummer John Blease and guitarist Graeme Scott, and was officially released at Edinburgh International Jazz Festival in August 2005. I was amongst the top 10 CDs of 2005 on the Jazzviews website (which no-longer exists unfortunately).
Some of the best things in my life and career so far are: my wonderful son Sean (who's now 18), meeting and falling in love with my wonderful partner Julian, having a supportive family around me, my best friend Morag, being friends with lots of other wonderful people, meeting and becoming friends with Sheila Jordan and Jay Clayton, singing with Liane Carroll at Edinburgh Jazz Festival 2007 and continuing to perform throughout the UK with lots of wonderful musicians.
Saddest moment to date was losing one of my best friends, Trish, at the end of 2007.
For further information and booking contact:
Thick-Skinned Productions Ltd, Tel: +44(0)1620 861000 or email contact@thick-skinned.com or visit her family website at www.raefamilyjazz.com to buy her CDs visit www.jazzcds.co.uk
Reviews, publicity photos and further information available via Rae Family website on my page.
I'm also managing director of Thick-Skinned Productions Ltd www.thick-skinned.com, manager of the Fionna Duncan Vocal Jazz Workshops www.fionnaduncan-workshops.co.uk and project manager Glasgow International Jazz Festival www.jazzfest.co.uk
Hey, just to let you know we have uploaded tracks from Ali's new solo album Flying High to his myspace, come by and let us know what you think or if you want to pre order you can get it on his myspace page.
Ali will be on tour in the UK from June 19th – July 4th come and see him and his new band live – they are tearing it up, round the country with a great party vibe!
Big Love Ali's Team x
Cathie! A lot of Joy and Happiness for You and Your family. May these days bring You peace now and throughout the coming year. Merry Christmas! sincerely yours Bernard Maseli
As a new songwriter I am looking to showcase my new songs with great singers accompanied 'live' to dvd and onto my website in 2009. Would you be interested, it would be an honour to have you sing 1 of my songs.Let me know asap ...thanks, JBarry Edinburgh
Hi dear Cathie, Miss you here in Denmark at the moment. Hope to see you next time I am in Edinburgh. It will be in November. If you have the time, let's meet for a drink. I hope you are well? And are singing a lot :-) LOVE Maria
