Jazz Gala

Direct from the USA: FREDA PAYNE - Vocalist, is an American singer and actress best known for her million selling, 1970 hit single, \"Band of Gold\" who happens to be a jazz singer of the first order. In January 2013 Freda Payne went into Capitol Studios in Los Angels and recorded an album with Bill Cunliffe and a swingin\' big band. Freda Payne, Bill produced the session, wrote the charts, and conducted. It will be released sometime in 2014.\" Born in Detroit, Freda grew up listening to Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday, which inspired her growing interest in music. While still in school, she began her musical career by singing radio commercial jingles in her hometown of Detroit, Michigan. Her polished voice caught the attention of music executives and other artists. She was wooed with offers of contracts from the likes of Berry Gordy and Duke Ellington, but her mother wanted her to finish school first. After she did, the legendary Pearl Bailey gave Freda her first professional job and this paved the way for her to share the stage with other legends such as Lionel Hampton, Sammy Davis Jr., Billy Eckstine, Quincy ]ones, Bill Cosby and many others. BILL CUNLIFFE - Pianist / Composer / Arranger Jazz pianist, composer and Grammy Award-winning arranger Bill Cunliffe is known for his innovative and swinging recordings and compositions. Bill began his career as pianist and arranger with the Buddy Rich Big Band and worked with Frank Sinatra, Joe Henderson, Freddie Hubbard, Benny Golson and James Moody. He has since established himself as a solo artist and bandleader, with more than a dozen albums under his name. In Concert with The RODGER FOX WELLINGTON JAZZ ORCHESTRA