On a sunny evening, Wednesday 8 May, Immy Churchill, Louise Balkwill and Becky Alice performed a gig at Oliver’s to celebrate the music of Anita Wardell, and to raise money to help with her recovery. Link to GoFundMe below.
Becky Alice writes: Anita Wardell is a special force in jazz music; not only for her scatting, her tone, or her emotional connection to an audience but for the inspiration and mentorship she provides to so many other musicians, particularly jazz singers. While I expected this to be an event to celebrate Anita’s music and raise money for her recovery, I was also reminded of an invaluable lesson Anita taught me; that sharing your passions with others who love to do what you love to do, and leaving ego at the door, is the greatest way to study this craft.
It was a unique experience for me to share the stage with two other singers, even more to do so in a room filled with other music lovers and musicians who’d turned out to show support for a major force in contemporary jazz.
Louise Balkwill writes: Performing alongside such wonderful musicians for a cause as dear to my heart as Anita’s fundraiser reminded me once more of the deep strength of the jazz community, musicians and patrons alike. Anita has always cared deeply about young musicians and is a role model to all of us, so being able to give back in the form of song, and to see such a fabulous turnout of supporters, was deeply moving!
Immy Churchill writes: Growing up around Neet and her beautiful energy is something I treasure! Her joy and love for people and for singing is infectious and it is no secret that my love for jazz and improvising is tied up in her. This gig with Becky and Louise was totally in Anita’s style: great tunes, lots of improvising and most importantly lots of laughing. Celebrating Anita should be a regular occurrence but certainly now more than ever!
All three: A huge thank you to Sam Leak, Jeremy Brown and Tim Sampson for performing with us, and to all who came and/or donated!
UPDATE. Sylvie Noble has written from Cardiff about another event on 17 May, which is being livestreamed :
Here at RWCMD, where Anita is a treasured faculty member, we will be celebrating her music and sending her our best wishes on 17 May, with a performance in the Carne Foyer. The vocalists of the jazz department will be performing tunes that Anita has worked with us to develop, as well as many from her vibrant and distinctive discography. We have all benefited from her creativity, playfulness and dedication to her art, and it’s an honour to be able to help in some way towards her recovery.
This event begins at 5:30pm in the Carne Foyer, is free, and does not require a ticket. Here is the link to watch the livestream.
