Kelly Dickson recently performed at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in London just before Christmas and our own Anthony Davis was there to take some pictures.

Born in Northern Ireland and raised in Leeds in the north of England, Kelly knew from an early age that she would make a career in music and aged 16 was already active on the studio session scene.

She then discovered a love for jazz and her Quintet started to perform regularly on the jazz circuit, this led to her relocating to London where she later graduated with a degree in Jazz Studies from Middlesex University.

Kelly traveled to New York in 2003 and recorded her debut jazz album ‘Vocal Point’ which features renowned saxophonist George Garzone. In 2005, after being spotted singing by Paul Weller’s drummer Steve White, she was asked to join Steve’s band the ‘Players’, an authentic funk / soul outfit also consisting of Mick Talbot and Damon Minchella.

Kelly went on to tour with the Players and also collaborated in writing and recording the Players second album “From the Six Corners” (Sanctuary Records). In January 2007, she returned back to New York with Norwegian guitarist Werner Kristiansen and they recorded a second jazz album ‘Doodlin’’ which also features George Garzone throughout.

Kelly has recently released an EP named ‘6 Ways, this is a collection of five songs she co wrote with Werner and also features Mick Talbot on these recordings. Kelly is currently drawing on her jazz, funk and soul influences to write a debut album of original songs, which she will be recording in Spring 2009.

Here are some shots of her performing recently at Ronnie Scott’s: