Brazilian tunes with a London twist: Critically acclaimed Emily Saunders, marked as ‘one to look out for’ by The Guardian’s critic John Fordham, first came to attention with her debut album ‘Cotton Skies’, gaining four star reviews, and extensive press coverage. Exuberant, hip swaying grooves and romantic melodic songs wrapped around Brazilian rhythms alongside musicianship of the highest order established her not only as a rhythmically-inventive vocalist, but a supremely talented composer, songwriter, producer and lyricist; with her music broadcast nationally on BBC Radio 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and commercial radio (inc XFM & JazzFM).
Released March 2015, her critically acclaimed album ‘Outsiders Insiders’ is remarkably assured, polished and accomplished. Played on radio stations around the world (eg Australia, Japan, Mexico, Spain, Germany, South Africa, UK to name a few), and charting internationally on iTunes and Amazon.
Cotton Skies focuses on Brazilian rhythms – her take on songs from iconic composers Pascoal and Moreira are stunning. Outsiders Insiders confirms her as a true talent in the genre – two of her very own Brazilian tunes place a London twist on an upbeat samba and Baião tune; both Brazilian pop standards in the making. Outsiders Insiders brims with potential radio hits. Emily presents dazzling originals and Brazilian Jazz that combine spirited grooves, driving basslines, sultry ballads, reflections of 60’s soul jazz and playful textures that together reflect her love of rhythm. Influences include Chick Corea, Airto Moreira and Portishead.
The band highlights international trumpeter Byron Wallen, “one of the most innovative, exciting and original trumpet players alive” – Jazzwise Magazine (played with Courtney Pine, Mica Paris, Loose Ends), Steve Pringle, piano (worked with Joss Stone, Michael Kiwanuka, Abram Wilson, Denys Baptiste), Paul Michael, bass (Julian Joseph and Liane Carroll), George Hart, drums (Swing Out Sister, Ivo Neame).
"Absolutely brilliant" Jamie Cullum, BBC Radio2
"One for the jazz dance clubs" Gilles Peterson, BBC Radio6
"The outrageously good Emily Saunders. An extraordinary talent" Chris Philips, JazzFM
"Jazz album of the year so far" ★★★★ Independent
"Next big thing" ★★★★ Evening Standard