Fiona Ross (UK)
Named among the 100 Alternative Power Music List for 2020, multi-award winning jazz artist, editor-in-chief, journalist and founder of the award winning Women in Jazz Media organisation Fiona Ross never stops. As vocalist, pianist, composer and producer, Fiona has become known for creating her own contemporary jazz sound incorporating fast paced Latin Jazz, vintage Jazz club, a little neo soul along with heart wrenching ballads. She came to the worlds attention as ‘the artist that gave Ed Sheeran his ‘first push’ but very quickly established herself as an artist in her own right and has received incredible reviews and awards across the globe for all of her albums.
How did you learn to play? Where did you study?
I am a classically trained pianist and first started lessons when I was six. I do still have my first piano at home which I used to practice for all of my Royal School of Music piano and theory exams. As a vocalist, I am also classically trained, but studied musical theatre, training at Arts Educational in London. My jazz training is an ever evolving journey!
Who are the musicians that influenced you the most?
I cannot give a short answer for this one! grew up with a beautiful rich and diverse musical landscape. My father was into more traditional jazz (Louis, Ella, Frank,) but also loved Nina Simone. My Mum was a huge opera fan. Commonality for us was old school Hollywood musicals and the American songbook. My brother is 10 years older than me and I used to sneak into his room when he was out and listen to Rickie Lee Jones, Kate Bush, Blondie, The Eagles, Steely Dan, 10CC, Billy Joel etc. When I was a teenager, I was inspired by artists like Aretha, Whitney, Luther, Stevie Wonder, Anita Baker and Prince. I also spent many, many hours, as a teenager, wishing my hands were bigger trying to play Oscar Peterson transcriptions. I discovered Billie Holiday when I was around 12 had she taught me that music is where you put your pain. When I was 15 I joined my first jazz band and was introduced to so much that has stayed with me and influenced me – Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, Gene Harris and so much more. Michel Camilo and Hiromi inspire me everyday and have had a huge influence on me.
What are your thoughts and opinions on today’s jazz scene?
So much I could say here, but I will keep it brief. It is rich, diverse and exciting! Obviously, challenges as always in areas such as equality, pay and diversity but the scene is evolving which is exciting. Since COVID, we have lost many jazz clubs in the UK and small venues are still struggling, which is devastating, but the community pulls together and works hard to support each other. Many areas for development as well as many things to celebrate and shout about, but the jazz spirit is alive and kicking.
Can you tell us more about your experience with the 7 Virtual Jazz Club?
Very happy to! Yes, I first became aware of their wonderful work when I was asked to be a judge for the International Contest a few years ago. Such a wonderful opportunity to explore so many artists and incredible music. I have kept in touch ever since and love the work they are doing for the jazz community. Happy to support in any way I can.
What are your upcoming projects?
So much! Having released my last album in April, 2023, I am working on my next one which I am hoping to release before the end of the year. Also continuing work with my podcast series where I was thrilled to have the series nominated for ‘Best Podcast’ by the World Entertainment Awards – I have some very exciting guests coming soon. And of course, very busy with my work for Women in Jazz Media!
Extended Biography
Her live performances have seen her perform at prestigious venues including 606 Club, Pizza Express, Hampstead jazz Club, Nells Jazz and Blues, Jazz Café Posk and Toulouse Lautrec and festivals such as the EFG London Jazz Festival and her music is played on radio stations all over the world.
Fiona has achieved many accolades for her work including Best Jazz Song from the World Songwriting Awards, Outstanding achievement awarded by the Global Music Awards and International female songwriter of the year from the International Singer Songwriters Association. She has been featured in many publications including Tinnitist, Jazziz, Record World Magazine, Jazz Corner, Ink 19 and Jazz Quarterly. Fiona’s song ‘Mistress’ which was recorded live in a stairwell, was selected to be included in the British Library archives for prosperity.
There has rarely been a day since then for Fiona that has not centered around music. Enrolled in dance, drama and singing lessons at the age of two, piano at age six. At what moment did Fiona make a conscious choice to pursue a career in music? There wasn’t a moment. There was never a time when there was any other choice. By the age of eight years old Fiona was starring in London’s West End. Talent like Fiona’s doesn’t go unnoticed; soon she was signed to an agency and was featured in a string of television commercials and print advertisements and was recording radio jingles for everything from ketchup to Fairy dishwashing soap.
At the age of fourteen she lied about her age and talked her way into gigging on weekends in jazz clubs throughout London, from the classy nightspots of the elite to some rather seedy pubs that were no place for an ordinary teenager. There were never any contracts to sign, it was always cash in hand at the end of the night. No one even suspected that a voice that startling in its maturity and passion could belong to a singer barely into her teens.
Fiona attended the prestigious Arts Educational School (the English equivalent of New York’s High School for Performing Arts) where Julie Andrews and Catherine Zeta to name just a few, also trained. Fiona’s career has taken her all over the musical map. She has worked as a musical director, session musician, composer, choreographer, director, dancer, actor, model – She even sang back-up for a rock and roll band called Rocking Willie and the Y-Fronts when she was 15.
