On the Album 'Information
Estelle Kokot on Piano and Voice.
Yaron Stavi on Bass
Gene Calderazzo on Drums.
Produced and Co-written by Craigie Dodds. 2006/7
Available onilne... please check blogs.
Current Projects Line Ups South Africa:
Estelle Kokot Piano and Voice.
Jimmy Mngwandi on Bass.
Clement Benny on Drums.
Current Projects Line Ups UK:
Neville Malcolm on Bass.
Andy Trim on Drums
Writing music to Mark Hillman's Poetry to be recorded and performed.
Singing on Lola Perrin's Aquarius (Songs from The Zodiac 2)
Estelle Kokot (vocal), Elysian Quartet and Carlos Lopez-Real
From the Blues to Brazil and Beyond (one woman show or trio)
Any members as listed above or others and Estelle Kokot on Piano and Voice telling stories via music and words.
Influences
Many and varied, usually randomly from the most unexpected sources.
Music is a small part of my inspiration. Daily life and being near things that breathe but don't talk, often.
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Sounds Like
A woman playing piano and singing songs sometimes solo and at other times with double bass and drums added .. future projects include the possibility of other instrumentation being considered.
In 2006, Sony ATV signed three South African musican/composers to a publishing deal – Abdullah Ibrahim, Hugh Masakela and Estelle Kokot. The following year, Estelle became Sony’s first writer to receive a nomination for a prestigious SAMA (South African Musicians’ Award).
UK born South African singer/songwriter/pianist, Estelle Kokot, has thrilled audiences in venues ranging from the Jazz Clubs of South Africa to the Barbican and the Royal Festival Hall in London, as well as in various European Jazz Festivals.
Estelle made her debut with South African Jazz Super Group Phambili and went on to guest regularly with South African World Music Stars Bayete, before joining Rush Hour in 1988.
The first Rush Hour album, ‘The Perfect Way’, topped the charts on Radio Stations in South Africa leading to a successful tour of the Club and Concert circuit.
In 1990 Estelle went solo working on a variety of projects including a daring bass and vocal duo called “No Place To Hide.” Several full house runs at Kippies Jazz Club with Canadian Trumpeter Bruce Cassidy and South African Saxophonist Mike Makhalemele followed, as well as Big Band Performances.
In mid 1993 Estelle relocated to the UK in order to further her musical quest.
She has since performed and played in many well known London and European Jazz Clubs and Festivals and is a well respected figure on the London Music Scene, not only as a musician in her own right, but also as a consultant in the field of musical education.
‘From the Blues to Brazil and Beyond’ is an outstanding one woman show which toured South Africa for 3 years.
With rave reviews and an opportunity to perform at the Grahamstown and Windybrow Arts Festivals, Estelle went on to perform on the international Jazz scene, including “Pizza Express Jazz Club” in Dean Street and several Festivals and Theatres on the European circuit.
In March 2007, Estelle was nominated for a South African Music Award (SAMA) for her album ‘Information’ in the ‘Best Jazz Vocal’ category.
She followed up the nomination with a nationwide tour including a performance at Jazz on the Lake in Johannesburg alongside Cuban pianist Omar Sosa and South African diva Sibongile Khumalo.
Appearances at Kippies Jazz Club International and the Jazz Leadership Concert Series with her South African line up alongside Louis Moholo, Sidney Mnise and Andile Yenana followed.
Estelle is currently working with South African Bassist and Producer Jimmy Mngwandi.
She is also setting music to poems written by English Poet Mark Hillman.
REVIEWS:
“Powerful, whimsical, humourous...” The Guardian August 2008
“Estelle Kokot is an exceptional talent..” Timeout August 2008
“Regulars at the Vortex, in London, will no doubt be familiar with the compellingly dramatic live work of Estelle Kokot, singer/songwriter, jazz pianist, but this album, flawlessly recorded to showcase the songs and her intimate delivery of same, focuses squarely on her great strengths...” Chris Parker – Vortex
"...standards and originals perfectly compatible side by side , Kokot is an excellent arranger of her own and other peoples' material... compelling, haunting, passionate..." The Guardian
‘with considerable wit and intelligence, Kokot ousts the singer while colonising the songs... .a deep magenta voice with a built in echo.’
Mark Rosen – Business Day Johannesburg
“Estelle is a world class pianist, singer and composer. She is totally unique and brings warmth and heart to her music that captures the imagination of all who hear her,” Guy Henderson – Senior Vice President International, Sony ATV
"Estelle Kokot is a powerful, soulful and independent artist.
Kokot's is a personal, unselfconscious talent... her music is often vividly surprising, and unquestionably all her own." John Fordham - The Guardian
“..Estelle Kokot, who in my opinion is out there with the best jazz vocalists in the world...”
Fikile-Ntsikelelo Moya – Mail and Guardian South Africa 2007
Estelle, Estelle! Thanks again for being such a lovely guest. Will definitely see you very soon. And so happy to hear that you're enjoying the album. Peace, Sirena xx
Thanks for the comment! Nice to hear from you too. Yes, I'm doing fine and still enjoying the jazz vibe! Finally managed to record a couple of my own songs, plus some good standards with an ace line-up! Check out Steve Parry on trumpet! I've made a note for Friday 14th and look forward to hearing you!
Hi, I hope you like my new music page, even though I'm looking forward to have better records to upload... Kisses Riccardo www.myspace.com/39azzbbanna(here you can listen to me playing piano too )
Ciao,Estelle ,Thank you for the add and the friendship. you are very good, I like your music a lot,and your stupendous voice. talk to you soon, and all of my best wishes to always listen to your good music. all the best.. from italy neal
Where the skin ends and something beautiful and unknown starts, exactly there, there is your voice and your music to me. Many thanks for the very kind words. Fab
Hey Estelle, its great to hear from you and yes it is heh. even though its cold spring has definatley started. I hope all is going well in England and wish you a wonderful friday:)
