louisedenson.com

Q Song Pinnacles Jazz 2007 Award winners for Time to Be from Portrait

In April 2007, vocalist Ingrid James and pianist/composer Louise Denson released Portrait, their first collaborative CD. It features original compositions by Louise Denson and guitarist James Sherlock, with lyrics by Ingrid James. The repertoire includes original songs with inspiring melodies and topical lyrics reflecting their lives as both musicians and women in the 21st Century.  It also features contemporary treatments of various songs ranging from a traditional Finnish folksong through to jazz standards.  The material deals with universal yet personal themes in a fresh and honest way, incorporating rich and harmonious arrangements which range from trio to sextet.

The CD has featured on local ABC radio in Brisbane and Melbourne and has also been heard on the national program Jazz Track. Ingrid and Louise have performed at the Valley Jazz Festival (Brisbane), the Manly Jazz Festival (NSW) and the Melbourne International Women’s Jazz Festival. They have been delighted to collaborate with noted Australian saxophonists Adrian Cunningham, Julien Wilson and John Stefulj.

Louise Denson and Ingrid James

The Portrait project grew out of an exchange of knowledge – singing lessons for piano lessons – which soon turned into creative development of ideas for songs. Ingrid and Louise spent many Friday afternoons drinking tea, talking about life, and working on material which they eventually recorded at the Queensland Conservatorium IMERSD studio. The CD combines the rhythm section from LDG with Ingrid’s rich voice and interpretive powers, welcoming Mark Spencer on winds and Carl Harvoe on trumpet.

Ingrid James is one of Queensland’s leading jazz vocalists. Appearances range from soloist with the Queensland Orchestra in Spirit of Christmas and with Maestro Tommy Tycho in tributes to Cole Porter and Gershwin to crowning as Queen of the Noosa Jazz Festival and special guest at many other Jazz Festivals throughout Australia. She has performed at The Blue Note in Monte Carlo, the 606 Club and Spice of Life in London and the City of Music in Marseilles.Described as a “fearless and gifted Jazz singer" by the Sydney Morning Herald, a candidate for the Best 10 list by Cadence Magazine reviewer in New York and a singer who has “a special affinity for Brazilian music (who) brings out the full beauty of the lyrics”  by critic Joao da  Penha of Brazil, reviewers acknowledge the heartfelt warmth and intimate style that characterizes her performances.