women in jazz

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 that demonstrate that ‘Her style is poetic and the messages ooze with Millennial angst’ Jazz weekly. She came to the world’s attention as ‘the artist that gave Ed Sheeran his ‘first push’ Daily Express, but has very quickly established herself as an artist in her own right and has received incredible reviews across the globe.

Fiona’s new album brings an incredible line up of special guests. As a Jazz journalist, she has interviewed some incredible people (including Maxine Gordon, Steve Gadd, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Terri Lynne Carrington, Kyle Eastwood) and ‘I wanted to include some people on the album that have really inspired me as a person and as an artist. I was truly blown away that they said yes’

Maxine Gordon, renowned author, educator, Jazz advocate – and wife of Dexter Gordon – has written the sleeve notes.

Latin Grammy-nominated and world-renowned bassist Snow Owl is a special guest on two tracks. Having played with artists such as Anotonio Sanchez, Hans Zimmer, and Elton John and continually referred to in many bass publications as one the most influential bassists of all times, his playing on this album is mind-blowing. Fi explains ‘We recorded two songs in a castle, in Vienna. The same castle Snow Owl recorded his album ‘The Blue Road’ in. No real rehearsals, live takes. It was an overwhelming experience that I will never forget’ These tracks stand alone on the album as being recorded, mixed and mastered by Snow Owl himself.

Adam Cooper ‘the sexiest man in dance’, award-winning dancer, choreographer, and director, sings a duet, returning to their school days when Fiona and Adam use to sneak out of class, break into a rehearsal room and sing Gershwin songs together.

Other guests include Kim Cypher, one of the UK’s most exciting female saxophonists, ‘Exciting stuff, Clare Teal, BBC Radio 2’ is a guest on one track. Blues guitarist, Marco Piccioni ‘A force to be reckoned with, Evening Standard’ is another guest.

Artwork for the album features work created by Chris Cunningham. 

The album is an eclectic mix of songs that all sit under the heading of Jazz. From the big band feel of the title track, to the haunting, freer ballads, to some Latin and funk – something for everyone. Fiona has indeed created her own contemporary Jazz sound that appeals to a wide audience.

Written, arranged and produced by Fiona, she says that this album ‘has been a huge challenge on many levels, and I have reached into places I have just not been before. The ‘Fierce’ is coming from many different angles. It has been emotional!’. Her new album is creating a significant buzz prior to release and is indeed proving that Fierce and Non-Compliant is the perfect title.

1. Fierce and Non-Compliant
2. For My Dad (live vocal take in a stairwell)
3. Woke Up This Morning So I Can’t Complain
4. Be On My Side
5. I Followed My Heart (with Adam Cooper Vocals and Kim Cypher Sax)
6. Don’t Say (with Snow Owl, vocals recorded live in a castle)
7. Feel (live vocal take in a stairwell)
8. Use The Right Words
9. Just Tell Me When
10. I Don’t Want It (with Snow Owl, recorded live in a castle)
11. Socialising With Misery (with Marco Piccioni on Guitar)
12. I Thought I Saw Your Heart     
13. Doing My Thing

Album Personnel: