Collette Cooper brings her powerful blues to Rye

She will performing as part of the Rye International Jazz and Blues Festival, offering some of her original songs, including Lost Soul from her album Lost, as well as blues classics.

Spokesman Matthew Christian said: “The tracks are linked through Collette’s own anecdotes and observations, letting her wry sense of humour shine through. Her extraordinary, powerful, emotional, raspy vocals along with her charisma and wry wit combine to create a stage presence that will have you wanting to see more.

"As an award-winning singer, songwriter, actor, poet and artist, Collette always took her inspiration from the likes of Nina Simone, Bessie Smith and Billie Holiday, so even though she's from Manchester originally there has always been something of the Southern States 1950s Jazz and Blues in her singing voice.

“With her album Lost, featuring the single Lost Soul, coming out in 2020 at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic when yet again blues music connected many people’s feelings about the state of the world at that time, Collette is honoured to now be able to perform as part of The Rye International Jazz and Blues Festival.

"Collette’s distinctive vocal style is often described as ‘Janis Joplin channelling Edith Piaf’ with a sprinkling of Esther Phillips’ and she has delighted audiences at some of the most famous music venues across London including The Jazz Café, Ronnie Scott’s, the 100 Club, The Groucho Club, The Roundhouse and The Piano Bar Soho.”

The 11th Rye International Jazz and Blues Festival takes place over August Bank Holiday weekend, running from Thursday to Monday, August 24-28. Alongside Collette Cooper, this year’s festival line-up includes Laura Mvula, Ruby Turner and The Brand New Heavies performing afternoon and evening concerts at venues across the town of Rye in East Sussex. Tickets to see Collette are £25 (+ £2 per ticket booking fee): more details www.ryejazz.com