 |
|
Gill Ward's singing career was inspired, she says,
by the example of her paternal grand-mother who worked in musical theatre
under the name of Alice Palmer. However, it was through the classical repertoire
that Gill was to achieve her earliest exposure on the English stage, singing
in the late 8O's as a member of the chorus in Carmen, La Traviata and Nabbucco,
before gaining a solo part in the Carl Weber opera Der Freishutz. Appearances
with the Floral Opera Company included London's famed Royal Opera House as
well as other theatres in the surrounding Home Counties.
It was partly as a result of Gill's search for songs
with a lyric that had depth and truth, and partly an urge to create new songs,
that led her towards a collaboration with pianist and composer Simon Balkham.
On the subject of lyrics, Gill is typically
forthright.Slush is out."Love's not like that" she says "it's tough more
often than not, and my audiences know it". Asked about her influences, Gill
is more forthcoming. "Wherever I go, I am asked from which singers I draw
my inspiration, and I have to say that, in truth, although I must have absorbed
something from everyone I've ever heard, I can't recall setting out to
consciously imitate anyone". The content of the latest album certainly bears
out Gill's open approach to song sources. Written especially for the 'Piece
Of Mind' CD, Gill and Simon completed a tango called 'Poisoned Kiss' which
is given two different treatments by the USA and the UK teams respectively,
plus a suitably cynical bluesy piece called 'Fairy Tale Romance' penned by
Simon with Gill in mind no doubt. Also in the mixed bag of delights is a
Balkham classic called 'Quicksand' plus three of Gill's own compositions,
a rude piece from Brian Shaw and the seldom-performed tragi-comic
Meredith/Passman song 'Miss Harper goes Bizarre' which Gill invests with
great poignancy.
Over in New York, in late 2002 Gill had already started
recording some of the remaining album tracks at the Blue Parrot Studios,
utilising the talents of musicians
Gill Ward in the UK is frequently to be heard in live
spots at the Tatty Bogle club (off Regent Street] in London's West End, not
to mention her occasional appearances at The Vortex!. The week leading up
to Christmas 2002 found her playing one of the capital's most prestigous
venues - The Pizza On The Park, Mayfair. In addition to the talents of an
exceptional rhythm section comprising Simon Brown (piano), Bernie Hodgkins
(bass) and Roger O'Dell(drums), Gill enlisted the talents of Colin Watling
on saxes and was able to persuade her songwriting partner, the talented but
reclusive Simon Balkham, to join her on stage for live renditions of the
co-written originals featured on Gill's studio recordings. Special guest
appearance by Brian Shaw, a fine singer in the Tony Bennett tradition, rounded
out a most satisfying bill of musical fare.
Gill Ward's web links: www.jazzservices.org.uk www.singers-uk.org www.jazzuk.com www.wpkn.org/wpkn/jazzline.html www.jazzconnect.com www.jazzbreak.com www.jazzvalley.com www.jazzinstitut.de www.jazzitalia.net www.jazzmasters.nl www.dcjazz.com Our Help page for Media Player: take me to the Help Page |
More Pictures
in the Gallery 
|
Jana Dugal. She was able
to secure parts in Dugal's 'Voice Circus', 'Big Top', 'Encore' and 'The Way
To Go' - becoming comfortable with free improvisation along the way. "It
was a very liberating experience" Gill recalls "but freedom has its own set
of rules too, and I was able to put the experience gained to good use in
my mainstream jazz and blues work".
They have received
international recognition for their work and Gill's version of Simon's 'Seven
Shades Of Blue' won an award in Hollywood USA in the Unisong Composers Contest.
Selected from over 47,000 entries worldwide, Gill's recording was one of
half a dozen songs penned by Simon which appeared on her debut album,1998's
'State Of Mind'. Gill says "I sensed straight away that Simon's lyrical approach
was central to his vision of the song. "He takes infinite care with the words:
not just the meaning, but the sound of them - and how they fit within the
rhythm.Best of all for me, he writes from a female perspective and I have
found this to be so rare".
from the late Chet Baker's Band, plus Phil Bowler from Doctor
John's Blues Band. Phil is the musical director at radio station WPKN where
he presents his program 'Jazz Adventures In America', having Gill as a regular
guest.
Ipswich,
as part of the PULSE festival, and was quick to accept. "I've admired Jo's
vocal stylings since I first heard her and love the contrast between us -
especially in the intimate space of the Wolsey Studio, with the clearly audible
audience breathing with us, following every nuance, every twist and turn
of melody or rhythm".![Windows Media Player is installed as part of the Windows Operating System - if you have a recent PC, clicking on these song links is all you need do. If you experience any difficulties, have a look at our Help Page. [Click the link at the foot of this page]](biog_files/windows.gif){kind=small}
