2014 MOBO Best Jazz Act Zara McFarlane in Vietnam

Sunday 11 October 2015

2014 MOBO Best Jazz Act Zara McFarlane and her band will be on the same stage as local singers Thao Trang and Bich Ngoc

(Ho Chi Minh City) Zara McFarlane is uniquely engaging, deftly combining the intricacies of jazz with a deep soulfulness, melding multiple influences from reggae to pop, folk and blues. Her debut album, 2011’s Until Tomorrow, was garlanded with rave reviews and a MOBO award nomination, and heralded a major new talent in the world of British jazz. It was commended by the Daily Telegraph as “the most interesting jazz singer to appear in years” while the New York Times was impressed with her music, describing it as, “serene, post-folk, post-soul, mystical.”

The follow-up, 2014’s If you knew her, also recorded for Gilles Peterson’s Brownswood Recordings label, is a more ambitious collection that draws from many more influences – from the deep spiritual jazz of Pharoah Sanders to dub and reggae. Zara has recently won the best jazz act at the MOBO (Music of Black Origin) Awards, alongside winners in other categories Sam Smith, Jesse J and Beyonce. The award represents a high spot of the brilliant career of the Dagenham-born singer. She’s performing at gigs and major festivals around the globe, has teaching workshops in vocals and improvisation around Britain and Europe and she’s continuing to writing her own songs.

Singer Thao Trang is known for her powerful voice and strong on-stage personality. She shares her natural style of performing with Bich Ngoc – the emerging talent discovered by Vietnam Idol 2015.

The three singers will perform at Sen Hong outdoor Stage, Zone B, 23/9 Park, District 1 Ho Chi Minh City on 11 October at 20.00. Entrance is free.

Notes to Editor

For further information, please contact

Vu Hai Dang (Mr)
Communications Manager
British Council Vietnam
20 Thuy Khue, Hanoi
T +84 (0)4 3728 1920 ext 1957
F +84 (0)4 38434962
E dang.vu@britishcouncil.org.vn

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