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Johanna Graham

Recently signed by the 33 Jazz label, the Johanna Graham Quartet comprises the elegant and hugely accomplished guitar phrasing of Martin Bowie, an exciting and vital drumming talent in Damian Rodd, brilliant and sensitive double bass from Tim Greenhalgh and Johanna herself on vocals. The journey began in 2005 when Johanna discovered Martin as he was completing his jazz degree and the pair began to work together as a duo. In 2008 Johanna incorporated Tim Greenhalgh on bass, with Damian Rodd completing the quartet two years ago, forming a tight and enthusiastic team. The band are extremely popular in Cornwall having entertained audiences in the south west for many years, and with the release of their new album, they have been venturing further afield. Johanna's captivating stage presence and emotive style puts a fresh spin on jazz standards, with original compositions and modern classics arranged in her own unique way, and together the group produce a passionate and exciting sound. The quartet won the ‘This Is Cornwall Best Jazz Act’ in 2012, and were nominated for Best Jazz Act in the South West Music Awards.

Johanna Graham is an emotive and accomplished singer and a dynamic performer. Originally training and working as an actress, her passion for jazz started with a love of old movies whilst growing up. Her Thespian background lends sincerity and a sense of drama to her live shows. Her sweet and mellow voice is Influenced by the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Anita O’Day and Julie London, and her vocal interpretation makes every performance special and very personal.

Martin Bowie is a Bachelor of the Arts in Contemporary World Jazz. An accomplished guitarist with roots in blues, funk and acid-jazz and over 20 years experience, his influences include Wes Montgomery, Joe Pass, Tal Farlow and George Benson. Martin has worked with artists including New Orleans jazz ambassador Lillian Boutte, trumpet player Damon Brown and saxophonist Raphael Ravenscroft, flamenco guitarist Esteban Antonio and Marty Wilson-Piper (guitarist in The Church and All About Eve).

Tim Greenhalgh, At age 17 Tim discovered the music of Joni Mitchell and Jaco Pastorius, which inspired him to the fretless bass, During his 20’s he performed in a wide genre of music and worked extensively in both the festival and club scene. Tim has 25 years experience as a bassist, performing with renowned jazz artists including Damon Brown and Brandon Allen. He is strongly influenced by the work of John Taylor, Palle Danielsson, Dave Holland, Charlie Haden and Scott LaFaro.

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Live Review

The Johanna Graham Quartet at Pizza Express, Soho, London

Read "The Johanna Graham Quartet at Pizza Express, Soho, London" reviewed by Fiona Ord-Shrimpton


The Johanna Graham Quartet Pizza Express Soho, London 25 May 2014 Seated under a photo of Kurt Elling's pearly whites, listening to the Johanna Graham quartet's first gig at Pizza Express in Soho was a pleasing and enjoyable experience. Jazz fans aren't that fond of hearing new vocalists sing live --on the whole, it's a mixed bag of painful and cringe worthy possibilities-- the weather, temperature, a miserable audience, variable health, dodgy band relations; all ...

12
Catching Up With

Johanna Graham: Don't Let Me Be Lonely

Read "Johanna Graham: Don't Let Me Be Lonely" reviewed by Fiona Ord-Shrimpton


Say their names: Kate Bush, Lordes, Johanna Graham. There's a common thread between these women--a need for drama, designed lyrics and a refreshingly diminished thirst for quick-fix mass appeal, which makes them seem lacking in the lust-for-fame department. What do they have to prove to anyone? The lyrics they write and sing have lived-in depth, their tune arrangements are effortlessly catchy and they are artists whose musical voices are, and will probably remain, timeless; regardless the generation to which they ...

6
Album Review

Johanna Graham: Don’t Let Me Be Lonely

Read "Don’t Let Me Be Lonely" reviewed by Nicholas F. Mondello


Years back, there was a fascinating self-help book entitled The Road Less Traveled (Simon and Schuster, 1978) by psychiatrist, M. Scott Peck. The premise of that long-time #1 best-selling effort was simple: in Life sometimes making a riskier choice--where the unknown awaits--can be the most rewarding. Perhaps taking Peck's suggested advice, Don't Let Me Be Lonely by British vocalist Johanna Graham takes a right turn at a musical crossroads and, for the most part, the result is a musically satisfying ...

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