"Carol Kidd is one of the best singers I have heard. She is not only technically excellent, but she sings the lyrics like she means them." Ronnie Scott
"Carol Kidd is the best kept secret of British jazz" Frank Sinatra
"Her control is thrilling.... she is world class" Cleo Laine
Early Years
Singing professionally at the age of 15 Carol Kidd joined the West Coast Jazz Band. During that five year period she met and married their trombonist George Kidd, still a formidable name in Scottish jazz circles. The band appeared along with many well known names such as Kenny Ball, Acker Bilk and the Alex Welsh band, and also made guest appearances on local radio.
A Change of Direction
When the so-called traditional jazz boom faded, Carol started working in cabaret and the clubs. However it wasn't long before she realised that this kind of work wasn't for her and she gave up singing for about four years.
In the mid-seventies the well known Glasgow musician and band leader Jimmy Feighan coaxed her out of retirement and asked her to sing at his Saturday lunchtime venue. She stayed for seven years. During this time a musical association with the pianist Sandy Taylor developed. Along with drummer Murray Smith and bassist Alex Moore the present trio was established, and remains the mainstay of her backing to this day.
Popular Acclaim
A television appearance on the Annie Ross Jazz Series caught the attention of the late Pat Smythe who arranged a two week stint at Ronnie Scott's Club.
Carol Kidd's best know admirers include Frank Sinatra, who personally invited her to open for him at his Scottish shows. Tony Bennett caught a performance at Ronnie's and enthused: "Where have you been?! You should be world famous!"
In recent years such notables as George Chisholm, Buck Clayton, Eddie Thomson, Humphrey Lyttelton, Cliff Hardie, Bob Brookmeyer and Martin Taylor have been pleased to work alongside and enthuse about her singing.
For further information -
www.carolkidd.com
LP MagazineEin Muss für jeden Jazzliebhaber. Ein Geheimtipp, der kein Geheimtipp bleiben darf!
more >>LP Magazine (Translation)A must for every jazz enthusiast.
more >>Hi-Fi WorldAn excellent recording on 180 gm vinyl
more >>Sunday PostA joy for jazz fans everywhere.
more >>In Tune InternationalThere's not a forgettable moment here. All are outstanding.
more >>Music WebCarol Kidd is one of the finest female vocalists I have ever heard.
more >>The Jazz RagCarol Kidd is my favourite singer
more >>Jazz RagMy advice is go out and buy all three records ... then go out again and buy everything else Carol has recorded.
more >>The Jazz Ragbuy everything Carol has recorded
more >>Crescendo and Jazz MusicCarol Kidd is indeed an exceptional talent
more >>Crescendo and Jazz MusicCarol Kidd is a class act
more >>Sunday Times Culturea distinctive path through the Great American Songbook
more >>The ObserverCarol Kidd is Scotland's gift to the American song
more >>Crescendo & Jazz Musicliving and breathing readings of infinite depth and breadth
more >>Yorkshire PostKidd needs no lessons on how to sell a song
more >>Jazz ExpressHer phrasing, diction and delivery are impeccable.
more >>