Nicky Crayson / Leonie Cohen Quartet ft. Leah Rose – Saturday, 16th of December 2023:
Nicky Crayson began her professional career at 14 and then became the lead singer with Galapagos Duck. Since then, she has performed extensively with most of Australia’s leading jazz musicians, as well as supporting significant international acts such as Tony Bennett and Mark Murphy. Crayson has recorded albums/CDs including Endangered Species; To The River Again; A Café in Venice; Daydream and most recently, The Paul McNamara Trio.
“There are singers who dare to dig deeper, who enter the thrilling, daunting world of improvisation with no reassuring horn to clutch. They embark on melodic flights with deep understanding and sound instincts and deliver lyrics with such conviction that it seems they are spontaneously inventing them. The late Betty Carter was such a singer. Nicky Crayson is another.” – John Shand, The Sydney Morning Herald
For the Foundry gig, Nicky will be joined by long-time collaborator, composer-pianist Leonie Cohen as well as a killer rhythm section – bassist Jess Dunn and drummer – Jodie Michael.
Also taking to the stage is emerging young vocalist, Leah Rose, whose expressive, nuanced exploration of jazz and soul idioms is captivating audiences Sydney-wide.