"A highly individual, mature voice with very subtle power that creeps up on
you" - Jamie Cullum
Born in Northern Ireland and raised in Leeds in the north of England, Kelly
knew from an early age that she would make a career in music and aged 16 was
already active on the studio session scene. She discovered a love for jazz
and funk and her Quintet started to perform regularly on the UK jazz
circuit. This led to her relocating to London where she later graduated with
a degree in Jazz Studies from Middlesex University.
Kelly recorded a debut jazz album Vocal Point in 2003 in New York which
featured renowned saxophonist George Garzone. Widely respected pianist Nikki
Iles accompanied Kelly on two tracks later recorded in London. Kelly
returned to New York in 2007 with Norwegian guitarist Werner Kristiansen to
record her second jazz album Doodlin’ which again featured George Garzone
and the George Garzone trio throughout.
In 2005, after being spotted singing by world respected drummer Steve White,
Kelly was asked to join Steve’s band The Players, an authentic funk / soul
outfit which included keyboard player Mick Talbot and bass guitarist Damon
Minchella who, along with Paul Weller, both previously formed The Style
Council. She went on to tour with The Players at numerous venues and
festivals across Europe including the Blue Note in Milan and the Jazz World
Stage at Glastonbury. Kelly collaborated in writing and recording The
Players' second album From the Six Corners (Sanctuary Records). The Players
are now renamed Trio Valore and Kelly occasionally still sings with them.
Kelly has also sung background vocals for Gwen Stefani and the Noisettes and
has worked closely with Corrine Bailey Rae. In 2009, Kelly opened up for
John Legend at the Dubai Jazz Festival. She has performed for royalty and
was booked personally by Piers Morgan to bring her band to play at his
wedding in 2010.
Until 2016, Kelly’s main focus was her band Chapter Two. Chapter Two is a
collection of original music written by Kelly and her late fiancé the
guitarist Werner Kristiansen. The music for Chapter Two is based on a love
for all things soulful, funky and pop. Chapter Two’s music is undeniably
their own, with a foundation of subtle powerful vocals and Werner’s
distinctive guitar playing. Kelly is currently planning to release a Chapter
Two album containing recordings performed by herself and Werner plus an
illustrious array of musicians including Mick Talbot and drummer Richard
Spaven.
In 2014 Kelly relocated from London to Sandefjord, Norway. Since arriving in
Norway she has established herself on the music scene and performs regularly
either under her own name when singing jazz or with her soul/funk band
Mamafeelgood. Kelly is a member of a Brazilian project called Bitt av
Brazillen and she also presents Jazz on Film lectures where she sings and
talks about songs taken from the Great American Songbook used in the Golden
Era of Hollywood movies.
Kelly Dickson Quotes:
'I booked Kelly and her band for my wedding party, which was obviously a
fairly important gig as far as I was concerned - ! - and she was absolutely
superb, as were the band. They warmed up everyone up with some great jazz,
then stepped the pace up and had the dance floor going crazy. You know it's
a hot party when you see Bruno Tonioli dancing topless, Freddie Flintoff
jiving in a Viking helmet, and Christine Bleakley competing with Amanda
Holden to see who can limbo the lowest. I would recommend Kelly to anyone
who wants their bash to go with a bang.'
Piers Morgan
‘Chapter Two are a terrific band to watch live and Kelly Dickson’s
fabulous vocals add a really interesting dimension to the show’
Mike Vitti, Jazz FM
"Kelly Dickson is a force 10 hurricane bursting with energy, power and an
outstanding voice, once heard never forgotten. Absolutely brilliant!".
Liane Carroll
“Kelly's voice knocked me out the very first time I heard it, she is
one of our countries best and most versatile vocalists, she has great
technique and tone yet can belt them out with the best of them! Kelly is a
great singer and a great musician”.
Steve White
“Dickson is a thoughtful singer with a lustrous tone”
John Fordham, The Guardian
-
"A highly individual, mature voice with very subtle power that creeps up on
you"
Jamie Cullum
"I heard three notes and I was hooked."
George Garzone
"Kelly Dickson is sparkling! She is full of life and swing-the very essence
of jazz!"
Tina May
"Kelly Dickson has a feel for jazz articulation."
Jack Massarick, Evening Standard, UK
"When you first see Kelly, you'll want to see more of her. Then, when she
begins to sing, you'll want to keep hearing as much as you can."
Gene Perla
"Whatever you do, don't miss Kelly... Singers with her talent don't come
around very often. She has a great feeling and exuberance for the music,
combined with a lovely voice with wonderful intonation"
Harry Allen
"I recently had the great pleasure of seeing and hearing Kelly Dickson
perform and was knocked out by her singing ... just as everyone else was in
the packed London club. Be sure to check her out; she's a talented and
vivacious vocalist!"
Peter Erskine
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