Sarah Moule

In the past few years singer Sarah Moule has established a rapidly growing reputation as one of Britain's most exciting new jazz vocal talents. Her latest cd, 'A Lazy Kind Of Love' (Red Ram Records RAM001) released on 23rd June 2008, marks a new direction in her choice of material, including songs from unusual sources such as Julie Burchill, Clive James/Pete Atkin and Madonna's brother-in-law, composer and producer, Joe Henry, as well as her ongoing musical relationship with Landesman and Wallace. Developing from her previous work, 'A Lazy Kind Of Love' shows a new-found depth and character in her vocal approach and spotlights Sarah's interpretations, complementing them with exceptional playing from her regular trio, Simon Wallace, Mark Hodgson and Paul Robinson, and guests Alec Dankworth, Mike Outram, Alan Barnes, Paul Clarvis and Pete Atkin.

Sarah's previous recordings include her highly acclaimed debut CD It's A Nice Thought (Linn records AKD192, Sept 2002) - a collection of new songs by lyricist Fran Landesman and composer Simon Wallace (”one of the finest songwriting partnerships alive” The Observer). The songs are literate, often witty and ruthlessly honest about human foibles, strengths and frailties, and they lend themselves to Moule's emotionally direct vocal style. Her 2nd album, Something's Gotta Give (Linn Records AKD239, Nov 2004) married further new material by Landesman/Wallace with classic songs by one of the greatest of the American Songbook lyricists, Johnny Mercer.

Born into a large catholic family on the south coast of England, after university Sarah soon traded the refined atmosphere of Bloomsbury publishers Jonathan Cape for extensive travels in numerous steamy tropical locations. On returning to London in the early 1990s she met jazz singer Claire Martin who introduced her to pianist and composer Simon Wallace who had himself recently returned to London after several years writing for the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra and touring with the equally steamy Lindsay Kemp Company.

“As soon as Simon played me the songs he'd been writing with Fran I knew I wanted to sing them. They really touched me, musically and lyrically, as they seemed to be about how we live today and the emotional conflicts we all have to deal with. I immediately started singing them on the gigs I was doing in Soho and haven't stopped since. I've always felt that it's important to include new repertoire in what I'm doing and mix up a wide range of musical influences, as well as taking inspiration from the past, because I want the music I'm doing to be forward looking.”

At the same time Sarah began to explore the music of Thelonious Monk and Duke Ellington along with the late-night lifestyle of the London jazz musician while continuing her vocal studies with English National Opera soloist Kenneth Woollam.

She soon established a solid reputation for herself on the London jazz scene singing regularly at the 606 Club, The Vortex, Pizza Express Jazz Club, The Pizza On The Park and guesting at Ronnie Scott's Club. She has performed with many stalwarts of British jazz including: Ian Shaw, Claire Martin, Iain Ballamy, Tim Whitehead, Tim Garland, Steve Waterman and John Critishinson with whom she toured the Mediterranean with 'A Tribute To Ronnie Scott', performing opposite the legendary bebop duo Jackie & Roy. She was featured vocalist with The John Wilson Orchestra throughout the 1990s, performing extensively with them, including doing a concert for HM the Queen at the Royal College Of Music and recording their eponymous debut cd, 'This Is The John Wilson Orchestra'. Her television credits include The Paul O'Grady Show, Lenny Henry in Pieces and The Ben Elton Show. She is also currently featured vocalist with bandleader John C. Williams' Rockin' In Rhythm septet, specialising in the songs of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn, and performed with them at St David's Hall, Cardiff in July 2002 for the Welsh Proms. That year she and the group also premiered a suite of newly commissioned pieces by John Mayer, Barbara Thompson, Nikki Iles, Simon Wallace and Dick Walters at Leasowes Bank Arts Festival in Shropshire. Sarah performs in jazz clubs, theatres and festivals throughout the UK.

Sarah's new CD A Lazy Kind Of Love (Red Ram Records, 23rd June 2008)