Home » Jazz Musicians » Sam Merrick

Sam Merrick

Sam Merrick is a British singer of ever growing repute. He has had the privilege of sharing the stage & performing with some of the top names in Jazz such as; Ian Shaw, Jacqui Dankworth, Claire Martin & Wynton Marsalis.


​Upon completion of his training at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama in 2014, Sam leapt straight into touring the UK extensively, as a soloist with the renowned ‘Nick Ross Orchestra’ which has led to further appearances performing with the Ronnie Scott's Jazz Orchestra, Len Phillips Big Band and many other projects on the London, UK & European Circuits.

He lists Jazz, Soul and songwriters such as Jeff Buckley & Joni Mitchell amongst his many influences but his ambitions are clear. He wants to sing, make music and collaborate with others towards the same goal.

His performance and studio work to date is already extensive and diverse, from performances at the Swanage Jazz Festivals to the Royal Albert Hall. He has recorded music for American television and films such as NBC’s “The Sing Off, in addition to working under Oscar-winning directors including iconic British director, the late Ken Russell.
 
In 2013, Sam became involved with the 'Backstep' Collective, featuring 8 of the finest vocal talents across London and World Renowned Guest Beatboxers such as ‘Bellatrix’, ‘MC Zani’ & rappers ‘MOWGLI’ and collective, ‘Strangelove’.

In 2020, Sam featured on a number of tracks for The Nick Ross Orchestra's latest album, 'Sounds of the Glenn Miller Era' recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios, London. Released in November of that year, it has since been featured on UK regional, National and International Radio including BBC Radio 2 (Elaine Paige), Jazz FM UK (Clare Teal), JAZZ.FM91(The Big Band Show) in Canada and RTHK Radio 3 in Hong Kong.

More recently, a wonderful and unexpected connection was made through instagram during the lockdowns 2020/2021 with Belgian Jazz Pianist and Composer, Jef Neve. In 2022, Sam was invited to feature on Jef's 2023 record alongside other artists including; Madeleine Peyroux, Johnny Manuel, Monique Harcum, Robin McKelle & Sam Sparro. Jef Neve's 'That Old Feeling' is due out April 21 2023 and Sam will be touring with the band to promote the release.

Sam is originally from the small but perfectly formed county of Dorset on England’s south coast, where the beaches are clean, the people are friendly and the summers are lazy and long.


Tags

Featured on BBC Radio 2 (Elaine Paige), Jazz FM UK (Clare Teal), Jazz.FM91 (The Big Band Show) & RTHK Radio 3 in Hong Kong.

"The warmest voice you've heard in ages...You can't get much closer to Chet Baker's singing style..." - Jef Neve -

...to complete the vocal array, on came the slight figure of Sam Merrick... (and) again, excelled, taking ‘I’ve Got You Under My Skin’ and sundry other favourites for an altogether pleasing ride." - Jazzwise Magazine -

"On their new CD, Sounds of the Glenn Miller Era, The Nick Ross Orchestra and vocalist, Sam Merrick authentically recreate the big band sounds of the 1940s.This is a tight band, nicely recorded at the Abbey Road Studios in London."  - Glen Woodcock, Producer and Host,
The Big Band Show on JAZZ.FM91, Canada's Jazz station in Toronto.

Read more

Chet Baker
trumpet and vocals
Ian Shaw
vocals
Mark Murphy
vocals
Mel Torme
vocals
Sting
bass, electric

Music

Videos

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.