Kaz Simmons
Liz Crosthwaite • Published 5 May 2011 13:30
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SINGER-SONGWRITER Kaz Simmons was raised in Hove, East Sussex, lives in London, is influenced by Brazilian rhythms and is coming to play at Jagz in Ascot on Tuesday.
The 32-year-old makes her living teaching guitar to youngsters in South London, but her passion is performing.
Kaz explained: "I used to be a jazz singer so there's jazz influences there but my songs are not really jazzy. The music be quite quirky and unpredictable. It is quite pretty, my voice is really bright. But I do sad songs too - I have been known to make people cry at my gigs!"
Though Kaz specialises in sparkly, soulful pop songs about her life - "they are like my therapy songs!" - she also brings in world music influences, bands and string quartets.
Her passion for Brazilian guitar stemmed from a chance meeting with a Sao Paolo guitarist and singer Ife Tolentino: "Ife taught me some songs and I picked them up quicker than I thought I would, and I have been doing that for a few years now. Brazilian music is amazing and really passionate."
Kaz is releasing her third album, Dandelion on her own label, Fast Awake Records on Monday, May 23. The album will be available on cd, limited edition vinyl and in digital formats.
Kaz explained: "I'm really excited about it. It is the first time I have done a vinyl release and it looks amazing, and sounds beautiful too, very rich and warm.
A launch party for the record will be held at The Forge, Camden, on June 1, with string quartet backing.
Kaz is playing at Acoustic Cafe at Jagz, Ascot on Tuesday from 8.30pm.
Entry is free and there will also be Open Mic spots available.
This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 05 May 11
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