Anthony Strong
About the Event
Bringing together timeless repertoire and a serious jazz sensibility, singer-pianist Anthony Strong presents his dynamic live show which has entertained audiences around the world. With more than a decade of touring under his belt - from the Hollywood Bowl in the West, to festivals across Asia in the East - his music is characterised by a mix of music by iconic songwriters spanning jazz, blues, soul and even pop. Expect a collection of hard-swinging classics, sumptuous ballads and blues-infused originals.
With his sharply tailored suit and easy charm, singer-pianist Anthony Strong seems to happily fill the role of ‘The English Gentleman’ often thrust upon him. His swaggering vocals and swinging piano style are matched by an energy that has entertained audiences at his live shows around the world.
One thing is sure: underneath the crowd-winning stage show, there is a seriously talented musician. The arrangements and orchestrations are written by Strong himself. There are original compositions showing an appreciation of the jazz classics. His piano playing belies a deep knowledge of the swinging greats – Wynton Kelly, Oscar Peterson, Bill Evans – and his vocals have further matured during the course of more than 250 international performances.
Anthony’s formative early years were spent, on scholarships, at 3 of England’s leading music schools, first studying classical music before, eventually, turning to jazz piano. The early obsessions with Oscar Peterson, Bill Evans and Wynton Kelly eventually led to Frank Sinatra, Mel Torme and Nat King Cole; singing was the logical next step. Despite the stellar education, it was an out-of-the-blue offer to spend 9-months as understudy to Jerry Lee Lewis in a London West End musical that perhaps shaped his career most noticeably to where it is today, developing a stagecraft and audience rapport that has come to characterise his live show.
Strong’s latest recordings are a statement of intent to continue doing what he does best. The repertoire is unashamedly ‘old school’ – from jazz standards and classics, through to early Stevie Wonder and Motown – a cross section of his personal record collection.
"“Great singer, great pianist”" - Jamie Cullum