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Anita Wardell - Vocals

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Jazz vocalist Anita Wardell has been acclaimed for the unique artistry she brings to scat and be-bop singing. Raves from peers and critics alike have cemented her reputation as one of Britain's finest vocalists.

Born the UK, Anita emigrated to Australia with her family as child where she soaked up the classics by Rodgers and Hammerstein and Cole Porter as well as the big band repertoire of Duke Ellington, Count Basie and others. During her teens, works by the likes of Clifford Brown, Miles Davis and Charlie Parker exposed her to the complexities of modern jazz while she learned her vocal craft from greats like Ella Fitzgerald, Mark Murphy, Carmen McRae, Betty Carter and Jon Hendricks. Attending Adelaide University in South Australia, Anita worked toward a performance in jazz and improvised music and worked regularly on the Australian jazz circuit. Performing with a host of local and international artists, including supporting the legendary Sarah Vaughan at the Sydney Opera House. Her recording career began when she joined the Adelaide Connection, formed in 1979-80. The Connection enjoyed visits from distinguished guest and toured throughout Australia.

Anita returned to London in 1989. Now touring extensively throughout the UK and Europe, Anita played festival and club dates with appearances at the renowned Ronnie Scotts club, the Royal Festival Hall, and the National Theatre. In 1995, Anita went into the studio with pianist Liam Noble to record an album's worth of material with the hopes of finding a label to release it. After shopping the CD around, they signed a deal with FMR Records. Why Do You Cry? was released to great praise.

My Shining Hour

I've Never Been in Love Before

Pioneer Mark Murphy proclaimed Anita, "a gift from Australia," adding "what hits me is how expressive her ballad singing is".

Singer Norma Winstone praises her "…unexpected vulnerability, which makes her reading of the ballads both beautiful and touching"

Jazzwise Magazine called her "energetic and inventive"

while The Guardian proclaimed her "a model of the Jazz singer's art."

A BBC documentary for Channel Four found Anita in the company of Kurt Elling and Dee Dee Bridgewater in a salute to Ella Fitzgerald entitled "Jazz Heroes". "I really enjoyed working on the Ella Tribute," Anita says. "Having grown up listening and transcribing Ella solos, I felt so excited to be asked to talk about one of my great inspirations. Scat is a big part of what I do"

Anita worked throughout the UK with her trio: Robin Aspland (piano), Jeremy Brown (bass)and Gene Calderazzo (drums). And returned to the studio in 1999 to record Straight Ahead, released on 33 Jazz. Critics praised her "vibrant delivery," finding in her style the "sweetness of Ella, the creativity of Mark Murphy whilst using her laughter, sadness and technique to tell a story like no other" (Amazon).

Her latest CD, Until The Stars Fade, finds Anita returning to her first love, tackling Porter, Rodgers and Hammerstein and Rogers and Hart. She and her trio deftly interpret well-known standards in a fresh way, whether it's playful scatting on an energetic "Get out of Town" or a tender reading of "Make Someone Happy". It's no wonder The Guardian calls her "one of Britain's most exciting talents."