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IN THE HOUSE: Cleveland Watkiss says the music of Nat King Cole and early Jamaican music were the staple throughout his childhood

VIRTUOSO VOCALIST, actor and composer, Cleveland Watkiss MBE will be bringing two shows to Lichfield Festival later this month.

The artist in residence for the cathedral city event will perform a Nat King Cole Celebration on July 10, at St Mary’s, and an exploration of 1970s reggae, his musical roots in the Great Jamaican Songbook, at Swinfen Hall Hotel on July 11.

The landmark week will be closed out on July 12 by famed acapella group Black Voices, with Celebrating Nina [Simone] in tribute to another legendary singer-songwriter/pianist, who they opened for several times.

INSPIRED: Nat King Cole will be honoured by Cleveland Watkiss

NOMINATION
Born in the East End of London, Watkiss’ ledger includes winning Best Vocalist in the Wire/Guardian Jazz Awards, a MOBO nomination for Best Jazz Act in 2017, Vocalist of the Year in the 2017 Parliamentary Jazz Awards and an MBE for Services to Music last year.

He has opened for a string of legends such as Cassandra Wilson, Abbey Lincoln, Wynton Marsalis, Bob Dylan and Stevie Wonder. Watkiss also works in music education: in UK venues, schools, colleges and universities.

Commenting on the musical range of his two performances at Lichfield Festival, Watkiss said: “I grew up in a home where the music of Nat King Cole and early Jamaican music were the staple. They’re the foundation and root of all I do today. I often think about Nat’s piano playing in the same way as his vocal sound, it is in a word: unique.”

PICTURED: The Black Voices group in action

“Being of Jamaican heritage, I’m also proud to see the influence Jamaican music and culture has had in the UK, and around the world, in the popular arts,” he added, referencing The Great Jamaican Songbook.

“Celebrating Nina was created by Shereece Storrod, our artistic director,” said Black Voices member Carol Pemberton MBE.

“It showcases some of her well and lesser-known gems, tells the story, interpreted through our a cappella/ensemble arrangements and instrumentals and interspersed with narratives of her life – in love, church and the struggle.

“In France and Germany, we were performing at the same festivals and I guess she felt Black Voices were a good fit to open for her. These were very humbling moments for us, but amazing to have such an iconic black female musician’s seal of approval. The most memorable, was the Pavilion in Brighton, it was to be the last time we would have the privilege of sharing Nina’s stage before her passing [in April 2003].

“Her musicianship and piano skills which during her lifetime were underrated. Her fearless vocals and commitment to the black woman’s struggle. She shared so much of herself, so frankly through her songs and music, and with no apology.”

TRIBUTE: Nina Simone will be celebrated at the festival

INSPIRED
Black Voices has something of a storied past itself – it regrouped in 1987, when most of its members were backing/session singers for many Midlands-based bands.

“We grew tired of being drowned out by bands,” added Storrod. “Inspired after attending a Sweet Honey In The Rock concert, Black Voices decided to try without the band and the rest is history. People started asking how can we book you and the demand has never stopped.”

For more on A Nat King Cole Celebration, The Great Jamaican Songbook and Celebrating Nina, visit lichfieldfestival.org

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