About Zena
With a distinctive soulful and bluesy approach to popular standards and lesser-known jazz gems, British vocalist Zena James received top reviews for the launch of her debut album “Tell Me More” (Jazzizit Records) in 2007.and for her efreshingly original jazz-soul follow-up CD, “Captivated” (Splash Point Digital). A part-funky, part-mellow 70’s-influenced jazz-pop album, this unusual crossover release features two compelling originals - “Captivated” and “You Move Me”.
A fervent pop child of the Seventies who turned to jazz two decades later, Zena is inspired as much by Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Lewis Taylor and Eva Cassidy as by jazz greats like Anita O’Day. From a lifelong passion for soul and R&B that characterises her delivery, funky arrangements and compelling original tunes, Zena has been making her mark on the jazz scene ever since she sent a demo into Jazz FM in 2003. Her inimitable, emotive voice is bluesy and soulful and, to quote a reviewer, (Sep 2010) 'delicious with jazz complexities'.
Zena was born near Bath and lived there until studying Linguistics, German & Russian at Surrey University. After teenage years in her father's home studio recording pop tunes, she joined soul bands in England and Germany before building a career in public relations for charities and companies. But the music won over and Zena went freelance several years ago to make way for jazz craziness...
A fervent pop child of the Seventies who turned to jazz two decades later, Zena is inspired as much by Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Lewis Taylor and Eva Cassidy as by jazz greats like Anita O’Day. From a lifelong passion for soul and R&B that characterises her delivery, funky arrangements and compelling original tunes, Zena has been making her mark on the jazz scene ever since she sent a demo into Jazz FM in 2003. Her inimitable, emotive voice is bluesy and soulful and, to quote a reviewer, (Sep 2010) 'delicious with jazz complexities'.
Zena was born near Bath and lived there until studying Linguistics, German & Russian at Surrey University. After teenage years in her father's home studio recording pop tunes, she joined soul bands in England and Germany before building a career in public relations for charities and companies. But the music won over and Zena went freelance several years ago to make way for jazz craziness...
The Band
