I learned to work my parents "Decca Radiogram" when I was 5 and listened to everything from Tchaikovsky to the Beatles. I love music across all genres from Carmen Mcrae to the sex pistols. I do think that a singer should be themselves and not fall into the stereo-typical cloning that occurs in the current music industry. Even in the jazz world today it happens....What happened to the authenticity of the singing greats of the past...
Helen started singing in the 80s in the Northern Clubs , this was a great apprenticeship into the Music Business. At 17 she was discovered by Jazz Legends Stan Barker and Digby Fairweather and participated in many gigs with them in the North West including Southport Arts Centre, various schools assisting with Jazz College ,(Jazz workshops set up by Stan and Digby). She also recorded live sets for Radio Lancs and Radio Merseyside. At 18 Helen (nee Sorrell) auditioned for singer with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra and got the job. She toured with them for 2 years working in all the Major Theatres in The UK and abroad, including a Royal Command Performance at The London Palladium in the presence of Princess Diana, the Barbican centre and the Royal Festival Hall with classical guitarist John Williams. Also many other tours with artists such as Buddy Grecco ,Peggy Lee, Roberta Flack, Vic Damone, Jimmy Witherspoon and Astrud Gilberto.
Heralded as the New Cleo Laine by Jazz Journal and The Stage, and described as having the vocal tones of Sarah Vaughan, Helen recorded a track with NYJO that became radio 2s record of the week. Also during this time with NYJO Helen appeared on Television and Radio nationally and internationally.
Helen graduated from The Sandown College of performing Arts in Livepool with a Graduate Diploma in Music .Then toured with her own Jazz Quintet feeling most comfortable with small bands.
Since then her work has been diverse from touring with Rock Bands, Session Singing , Jazz ,Big Bands, Soul, Gospel, ambient dance, Acid Jazz.
This page and its songs are dedicated to Stan Barker my jazz mentor. He was the kindest and most altruistic gentleman of jazz. He is greatly missed...
thank you thank you thank you Helen! : ) Such nice comments, really glad you liked my stuff! That was a fun gig.
We're launching my album on August 4th at Shoreditch House - if you'd like to come down (it's £free!) email: Matt@MetropolitanMusic.co.uk - if you want to bring guests just put them in your mail...
Hey cheers for the friendship, check my page if you're interested in recording, mixing or mastering - top mics, great rooms, low rates. Keep up the good work :)
I assume so, or if you go to the facebook page of 'Impossible Sreps' there are instructions to book your seats even. I have done it before, and I can walk on stage as if I've been doing uit for years darling!!! See yu there.xEdx
Hi Helen, Nice to hear from you. On monday and Friday nights I am playing regularly at Toulouse Lautrec, 140 Newington Butts, SE11 4RN, near Kennington. It is a Jam so you are welcome to pop in and have a sing. I am there 8 till Midnight. (The Brasserie is upstairs) Will be working in Greece during the first half of June so hope to see you before-- Tsivi
THANKYOU FOR YOUR LOVELY COMMENT ABOUT "WHEN THERE'S NO MORE TEARS" YES I FIND IT VERY MOVING TOO. I WROTE IT FOR A FRIEND WHOSE HUSBAND HAD JUST DIED AFTER MANY YEARS OF MARRIAGE. IT WAS JENNY WHO GOT ME AND MY MAM TO GO TO LOURDES WHEN I WAS 9. I WOULD LOVE TO MEET A LOVELY GENTLE GUITARIST TO SING SOME OF THESE SONGS. MADE SOME INTERESTING CONNECTIONS ON MYSPACE THE PAST FEW DAYS. AS SOMEONE ONCE SAID "SEEK AND YOU WILL FIND" BLOOMING LATE DEVELOPERS!!!
Of course hunny. Talent will have out!! I can't wait to see you again. Also, duet with you. Haven't sung some decent jazz for ages. Glad all is going well, xEdx
Hi Helen, Long time.. Are you coming to our gig at the Dogstar upstairs, in Brixton tomorrow? I am playing my compositions with my band, it will be a fun one, Hope you can make it down..It is after 9, 389 Coldharbour Lane. all details on my page.. See you soon Tsivi
HEY THAT'S GREAT NEWS. YOU DOING A GREAT JAZZ ALBUM. I'LL DEFINITELY BUY A COPY!! NICE PHOTO. DON'T EVER REMEMBER YOU BEING THAT SLINKY!!! (LAUGHING!!) JUST DONE A GREAT GIG TONIGHT AT THE ARTS CENTRE YARDS WHERE YOU USED TO STAY A FEW MOONS AGO!! SUPERB. VERY FULFILLING. I SINCERELY HOPE YOUR MUSICAL CAREER GOES FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH.
HIYA. THANKS FOR YOUR LAST MESSAGE. HAD PROBLEMS WITH INTERNET. DAMNED TECHNOLOGY. STILL SHOULDN'T COMPLAIN WHEN PEOPLE ALL OVER THE WORLD CAN HEAR OUR MUSIC. LISTENED TO YOUR NEW SONG. ITS JUST GREAT TO HEAR YOU SINGING AGAIN. I HAD FORGOTTEN WHAT A TREMENDOUS GIFT YOU HAVE. WOULD BE REALLY MARVELLOUS IF YOU COULD RECORD A PROPER CD. MAYBE ONE DAY EH!!! THANKYOU FOR YOUR COMMENTS RE FLOSSIE MY NEW SINGER. SHE'S IN NEW YORK AT THE MOMENT TRYING TO CATCH SWINE FLU. DAFT GIRL. AND WE'VE GOT ANOTHER GIG ON WEDNESDAY!!! RECORDED 33 TRACKS IN A MONTH. 2 CDS NEARLY DONE. COMPLETELY KNACKERED. AND I NEED A NEW LEG. CHOW
I am playing and organising the Jam Session regularly at Toulouse Lautrec on Monday and Friday nights ( 8 till Midnight), 140 Newington Butts, SE11 4RN near Kennington.
Hope you can come down soon, lovely atmosphere and great wines too! Tsivi
