Jacqui Hicks : Vocals John Critchinson : Piano Dave Green : Double Bass Tristan Mailliot : Drums
with guests Martin Shaw : Trumpet & Flugelhorn Tina May : Vocal duet
..
Influences
Stevie Wonder; Donny Hathaway; Aretha Franklin; Nat Cole; Ella Fitzgerald; Bobby McFerrin; Mel Torme; Luther Vandross; Lalah Hathaway; James Taylor; Chaka Khan; Al Jarreau; George Benson; Meshell N'Deogocello; Frank McComb; Take 6; Randy Crawford; Ray Charles; Patti Austin.......
Jacqui was originally a classically trained clarinettist but started singing during her three years at the Leeds College Of Music, where she also studied saxophone and flute, and then joined the one year post-graduate jazz course at the Guildhall School Of Music And Drama. Shortly after leaving the Guildhall Jacqui joined the National Youth Jazz Orchestra as their vocalist and spent the next four years touring and also recording with them - including the vocal album Looking Forward Looking Back.
Since 1993 Jacqui has worked with the jazz/funk band Shakatak, both as backing vocalist and sax player. She's toured Europe and Eastern Europe, South Africa, the Far East & Japan numerous times with them and also appears on their albums Let The Piano Play, View From The City, Under Your Spell, Blue Savannah, Beautiful Day, Emotionally Blue, the MOBO nominated Live At Ronnie Scotts and the brand new 2009 release Afterglow.
Additionally, she sings three tracks of Shakatak drummer, Roger Odell's Beatifik album The Blue Window, released in 2000 and makes a guest appearance on the compilation album called Smooth Solos - Shakatak & Friends.
Jacqui has also worked with the Latin/Pop band Matt Bianco touring Japan, Indonesia & Europe with them and appears on their albums Gran Via, Another Time:Another Place and a re-working of their greatest hits album A Collection.
She is a featured vocalist on Paprika Soul's 2002 album Into The Light, including the single "Too Much Love Makin", a track that also appears on the JazzFM CD Venice Beach.
She works regularly with Julian Marc Stringle & the Dreamband and is featured on their 2009 release LA Sunset.
Jacqui's first solo album Spellbound was released in 2000 and was well received by the critics.
"...a beautifully crafted and controlled performance. A fine debut indeed." - [Jazz Review]
Her second album With A Song In My Heart was released in September 2005 and is a collaboration with the John Critchinson Trio.
"...a singer of warmth, poise and intelligence whose smoky voice is a pleasure to listen to." - [Yorkshire Post]
She has also worked with some of Britains finest musicians including Art Theman, Bobby Wellins, Brian Dee, Jim Mullen, Allan Ganley, Julian Marc Stringle, Alan Barnes, Bruce Adams, John Pierce, Pat Crumley, Mark Nightingale, Malcolm MacFarlane, Martin Shaw, Dave Green and of course John Critchinson. She has played at some of the most prestigious venues including Ronnie Scotts, The 606 Club, the Royal Albert Hall, the Barbican, and the Queen Elizabeth Hall, as well as jazz festivals such as Brecon, Edinburgh, Wigan, London, Thailand International and Cape Town International. She also makes regular appearances with the award winning Back To Basie Orchestra and is featured on their latest album 'Corner Pocket'.
As a session singer Jacqui has recorded songs for Hal David & John Cacavas, Duncan Lamont, and Johnny Keating, among others. She's worked on several soundtracks including the films Tomb Raider II and Veronica Guerin and appeared in a couple of Radio 4 plays for the BBC.
THE BRAND NEW ALBUM - A CHILD IS BORN - featuring John Critchinson, Dave Green & Tristan Mailliot with special guests Martin Shaw & Bobby Wellins. Due for release 2010.
There will be regular updates about Jacqui on this site, as well as alternative album tracks and unissued recordings that you can listen to, so remember to keep coming back.
For more information about Jacqui Hicks you can email info@jacquihicks.com
Hey Jacqui, how's everything going? how's purcell, who are you teaching there now? academy is crazy, it's such hard work i don't think i was prepared for how much of a roast it was going to be! my teacher is pete churchill now which is really cool, cant wait to come and see you at dean st. hope your good! lots of love emma xxx
hey, just stopping by to say hi - hope you're doing well.
I've got my new single 'Dancing On The Kitchen Tiles" on my page at the moment, as well as a couple of new live videos. I'd love to know what you think.
Just spreading some love your way - Thanks and enjoy the Christmas season! PS: the song Feel Good, should make you feel good! :o) Kevin
Ciao,Jacqui thanks for your friendship,I am very happy, you are very good, I like your stupendous music a lot, and stupendous voice. you are certainly one of my favorite, in your musical kind The feels great admiration for you, be really one whom is worth rather to lot! The hope to listen soon to you, in italy.. talk to you soon, and all of my best wishes to always listen to your good music, all the best.. from italy.. and good life.. every day neal
Hi Jacqui, Great interview with you and Mark Watkins this morning on Blast1386. Thank you again for accepting my request. I would have loved to come and see you tomorrow night at the Sonning Mill, but sadly I have got other plans. Thank you again.
some cool sounds Im actually studying jazz at Uni so its refreshing to come across it....youre welcome to come by the kitchen for some soup its open 24/7...cheers
Hi! I want to thank you for adding me! If you ever need a custom guitar strap, let me know. My studio is at www.coolstraps.artfire.com. The weekend's coming up so have a good one and thanks again! Terri