Concert: Ali Affleck - Billie 99

The first performance of a new ambitious project led by Ali Affleck - ‘Billie 99’ seeks to perform (almost!) the entire recorded repertoire of Billie Holiday.

We are delighted to debut this new project at the Scottish Arts Club - a selection of the finest works of Billie Holiday along with some classic blues to add extra dimension to the evening … Ali is well known for her vivacious stagecraft so expect vibrant chat about the songs and history of the pioneering vocalists.

Ali will be joined by Esteemed award winning pianist Paul Harrison- Paul is an innovative and creative musician/composer with a sensitive and elegant accompaniment style - he is also a frequent performer with the Scottish Jazz Orchestra.

Early jazz vocal specialist and historian, Scottish-American Ali is a stalwart of vocal-centric ‘old time’ jazz and blues. Arriving in Edinburgh fresh from her old home in New Orleans, Ali found a Scotland where no-one under the age of 60 was singing old jazz and ‘classic’ blues repertoire…fast forward 12 years and she earned her place as doyenne of the scene.

Ali is hugely entrepreneurial in her quest and frequently collaborates with the worlds most respected jazz. Ali performs several times a year in Paris, yearly in Japan and at many top jazz festivals and swing dance events such as Ascona and French Quarter Fest. Her regular trips back to the USA to perform have given such accolades as:

‘The spirit of Bessie Smith in the 21st century’ - LA Times "Scotland's Queen of Vintage jazz & Blues" (OCWeekly)

Ali won ‘Best Jazz Vocalist’ in the 2014 Scottish Jazz Awards, & was nominated 'Best Emerging artist ' Ali was nominated again as best vocalist in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 and she now lives between London and Edinburgh. Her principal aim is help further the span of vivacious old style jazz and blues - remaining truly authentic in its delivery whilst gently allowing modern life to breath a respectful influence throughout.

Host or Publisher The Scottish Arts Club