Trudy Kerr

{{Short description|Musical artist (born 1963)}} {{Use dmy dates|date=October 2015}} {{Use Australian English|date=October 2015}} {{Infobox musical artist | name = Trudy Kerr | image = | image_size = | landscape =  | alt = | caption = | birth_name = | alias = | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1963|1|3|df=yes}} | birth_place = | origin = Brisbane, Queensland, Australia | death_date =  | death_place = | genre = Jazz, adult contemporary | occupation = Musician, teacher, radio presenter, label owner | instrument = Vocals | years_active = 1982–present | label = Jazzizit | associated_acts = | website = {{URL|trudykerr.com}} }}

'''Trudy Kerr''' (born 3 January 1963) is an Australian-born jazz musician, teacher, radio presenter and label owner. Since 1997 she has released ten studio albums and a compilation album, ''Contemplation'' (January 2015). Kerr has performed concerts in the UK, continental Europe, East Asia and Australia. She resides in Malta with her husband, Geoff Gascoyne, a fellow jazz musician who plays double bass.

== Biography ==

Trudy Kerr's first gigs were in Brisbane clubs in 1980, at the age of 17, after she completed secondary schooling.<ref name="Nathan">{{cite web |url = http://www.allmusic.com/artist/trudy-kerr-mn0000656248/biography|title = Trudy Kerr | Biography & History|last = Nathan|first = Dave|work = AllMusic|publisher = All Media Guide|access-date = 16 October 2015}}</ref><ref name="Carr">{{cite book | url = https://archive.org/details/roughguidetojazz00carr | url-access = registration | quote = Trudy Kerr Acker Bilk -wiki -wikipedia. | title = The Rough Guide to Jazz | series = Rough Guide Music Guides | date = 27 May 2004 | edition = 3rd | last1 = Carr | first1 = Ian | last2 = Fairweather | first2 = Digby | last3 = Priestly | first3 = Brian | publisher = Rough Guides | pages = [https://archive.org/details/roughguidetojazz00carr/page/436 436]–437 | isbn = 978-1-84353-256-9 }}</ref> Initially performing cover versions of adult contemporary music she adopted a jazz style after hearing Chaka Khan on the album, ''Echoes of an Era'' (January 1982).<ref name="Nathan"/> Kerr performed along the east coast of Australia and toured East Asia.<ref name="Carr"/> In 1990 she moved to the United Kingdom to continue her music career.<ref name="Carr"/> She completed a postgraduate jazz course at the Guildhall School of Music during 1994 to 1995.<ref name="Carr"/> In 1995 Kerr met Geoff Gascoyne, a fellow jazz musician who plays various bass guitars (double bass, acoustic bass, electric bass) and is a sometime backing vocalist.<ref name="AMG Gascoyne Bio">{{cite web | url = http://www.allmusic.com/artist/geoff-gascoyne-mn0000187911/biography | title = Geoff Gascoyne | Biography & History | publisher = All Media Guide | work = AllMusic | access-date = 17 October 2015 }}</ref> The couple married in January 2002,<ref name="AMG Gascoyne Bio"/> and reside in Beckenham. In 1995 she started regularly appearing at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club in London, including supporting Monty Alexander, which led to recording sessions in April 1997.<ref name="Nathan"/><ref name="Nathan Sweet"/>

In October 1997 Kerr issued her debut album, ''Sweet Dreams'', on FMR Records.<ref name="Nathan Sweet">{{cite web | url = http://www.allmusic.com/album/sweet-surprise-mw0000365183 | title = ''Sweet Surprise'' – Trudy Kerr | Songs, Reviews, Credits | author = Nathan, Dave | publisher = All Media Guide | work = AllMusic | access-date = 16 October 2015 }} Note: User may access further information at tabs, e.g. "Credits".</ref> It was produced by Trevor Taylor with session musicians including Mark Fletcher on drums and percussion, Andy Hamill on basses (acoustic, electric, double), Mark Johns on guitar, David O'Higgins on tenor saxophone and Phil Peskett on piano.<ref name="Nathan Sweet"/> AllMusic's Dave Nathan declared that Kerr "gives an honest and ardent rendition of all the tunes (both ballads and up-tempo numbers) she sings, showing great respect for the lyrics."<ref name="Nathan Sweet"/> Ian Carr, in ''The Rough Guide to Jazz'', described her vocals "[she] is superbly versatile and can handle any kind of song with total conviction."<ref name="Carr"/> By 1998 Kerr had performed at continental European concerts in Turkey and the Netherlands.<ref name="Carr"/><ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title = Trudy Kerr – Biography|url = http://www.trudykerr.com/profile/biography|website = www.trudykerr.com|access-date = 14 October 2015 }}</ref>

For her second album, ''Trudy'' (1998), Kerr was the first vocalist signed to Jazzizit Records: their "lack of experience in producing a vocal album is, regrettably, evident" according to Nathan.<ref name="Nathan Trudy">{{cite web | url = http://www.allmusic.com/album/trudy-mw0000725774 | title = ''Trudy'' – Trudy Kerr | Songs, Reviews, Credits | author = Nathan, Dave | publisher = All Media Guide | work = AllMusic | access-date = 17 October 2015 }} Note: User may access further information at tabs, e.g. "Credits".</ref> Other musicians used on ''Trudy'' include Acker Bilk on clarinet (and co-lead vocals on one track), Mornington Lockett on soprano saxophone and Nick Weldon on piano.<ref name="Carr"/><ref name="Nathan Trudy"/> Nathan finds the "result is a case of musical schizophrenia with performances divided into two categories. The first is where Kerr tries to be more than she is and thus her vocalizing seems unnatural and contrived... The second category proves the saving grace of this album... where Kerr is provided minimal accompaniment, both in terms of numbers of players and their style."<ref name="Nathan Trudy"/> Carr opined that the album was "even more confident and adventurous... [with] thirteen tracks in all and not one dull moment."<ref name="Carr"/> Her record label, Jazzizit Records, had been set up in 1995 by Brian Nott and, in 2006, it was sold to Kerr and her label mate, Derek Nash.<ref name="Jazz Journal">{{cite journal | url = http://www.jazzjournal.co.uk/magazine.php?id=76 | title = Jazzizit still is it | work = Jazz Journal | date = February 2010 | access-date = 16 October 2015 }}</ref>

Kerr released her third album, ''Day Dream'', in 2000, using Gascoyne on double bass, Guy Barker on trumpet, Sebastian de Krom on drums and Mulgrew Miller on piano.<ref name="NLA Day Dream">{{Citation | author1=Kerr, Trudy | title=Day dream | publication-date=2000 | publisher=Jazzizit. National Library of Australia | url=http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/8040593 | access-date=16 October 2015 }}</ref><ref name="Nathan 2"/> Nathan, writing for All About Jazz, described her singing as showing "greater assurance, more sophisticated phrasing and interpretative qualities gained through experience."<ref name="Nathan 2">{{cite web | url = http://www.allaboutjazz.com/day-dream-trudy-kerr-jazzizit-review-by-dave-nathan.php | title = Trudy Kerr: ''Day Dream'' | author = Nathan, Dave | work = All About Jazz | date = 1 March 2001 | access-date = 16 October 2015 }}</ref> Her fourth studio effort was a tribute album, ''My Old Flame: Remembering Chet Baker'' (2001).<ref name="Warwick Uni">{{cite web | url = http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/insite/events/events/?calendarItem=NE1000000087648_ITEM | title = Trudy Kerr | publisher = University of Warwick | date = May 2003 | access-date = 17 October 2015 }}</ref> Kerr performed cover versions of Baker's songs and added lyrics to some of his instrumental tracks.<ref name="Warwick Uni"/>

In 2005 Kerr released Cloudburst to critical acclaim.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Trudy Kerr: Cloudburst|url = http://www.allaboutjazz.com/cloudburst-trudy-kerr-jazzizit-review-by-chris-may.php|website = All About Jazz|access-date = 2015-11-18}}</ref> Kerr took an instrumental approach adding lyrics to songs which were originally written instrumentally.

In 2007 Kerr asked Swedish piano star Jan Lundgren to work with her on her album Déjà vu. This album also featured US singer/songwriter Bob Dorough, Kerr and Dorough duetted on his Bebop classic “Up jumped a Bird”. Kerr toured the South of Sweden with Jan Lundgren to promote the CD as well as in the UK. The Jazz Man reviewed the release as "A typically classy offering from Kerr. A lovingly crafted selection of songs beautifully sung and flawlessly played"<ref>{{Cite web|title = Trudy Kerr - Deja Vu: Songs from My Past {{!}} Review {{!}} The Jazz Mann|url = http://www.thejazzmann.com/reviews/review/trudy-kerr-deja-vu-songs-from-my-past/|website = www.thejazzmann.com|access-date = 2015-11-18}}</ref>

In late 2007 Kerr toured the UK with her husband Geoff Gascoyne’s project “Keep it to yourself”. Bob Dorough performed with the band at the Cork Jazz festival and the piano player on that tour was Jamie Cullum.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title = Geoff Gascoyne releases new album|url = http://www.jazzwisemagazine.com/pages/live-jazz-music-reviews/40-daily-breaking-news/archive/68-geoff-gascoyne-releases-new-album|website = www.jazzwisemagazine.com|access-date = 2015-11-18}}</ref>

After teaching on The Jazz Academy Summer Course run by Michael Garrick.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Jazz Academy|url = http://www.jazzacademy.co.uk/tutors.html|website = www.jazzacademy.co.uk|access-date = 2015-11-18}}</ref> Kerr went into the studio and recorded Like Minds with Michael in 2009.<ref>{{Cite web|title = BBC - Music - Review of Trudy Kerr - Like Minds|url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/mwgb/|access-date = 2015-11-18|first = Kathryn|last = Shackleton}}</ref> The music was a moving tribute to the music of Duke Ellington and to Garrick’s music also. The duo toured the UK and most notably there was a wonderful performance at the Southport Jazz Festival.

In 2010 Kerr and Ingrid James issued a duo album, ''Reunion'', and John Fordham of ''The Guardian'' felt "James has the smoother, more stately delivery, with Kerr pushing the time-and-phrasing envelope more – but the contrast between them enhances what's fundamentally a down-the-line mainstream-to-bop set."<ref name="Fordham">{{cite web | url = https://www.theguardian.com/music/2010/sep/30/trudy-kerr-ingrid-james-jazz-cd-review | title = Trudy Kerr/Ingrid James: ''Reunion'' | Jazz CD review | Music | author = Fordham, John | work = The Guardian | date = 1 October 2010 | access-date = 16 October 2015 }}</ref>

In 2012 a collaboration with Kerr's husband Geoff Gascoyne (Ted & Gladys) produced the album The Rhythm of Life. This album featured original compositions by Kerr and Gascoyne as well as some lesser known standards.

In 2015 Kerr released Contemplation, which is a compilation of some of Trudy’s Best work. London Jazz news stated "Delivering ''Contemplation'' with a sweet, poignant delicacy and wonderfully flexible sound, the singer demonstrates that she has always been a remarkable talent, and is still at the top of her game."<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.londonjazznews.com/2015/07/trudy-kerr-contemplation-best-of-trudy.html|title = London Jazz news}}</ref><ref name="Lindsay">{{cite web | url = http://www.allaboutjazz.com/contemplation-trudy-kerr-jazzizit-review-by-bruce-lindsay.php | title = Trudy Kerr: ''Contemplation'' (2015) | last = Lindsay | first = Bruce | work = All About Jazz | date = 15 January 2015 | access-date = 16 October 2015 }}</ref>

Kerr has collaborated with fellow jazz musicians including Jamie Cullum,<ref name=":1" /> Georgie Fame, Jan Lundgren, Bob Dorough,<ref name="Collison">{{cite news | url = http://www.londonjazznews.com/2015/02/interview-trudy-kerr-and-sarah-moule.html | title = Interview: Trudy Kerr and Sarah Moule talk about Bob Dorough (UK dates Feb 19-21) | author = Collison, Tamsin | work = LondonJazz News | date = 14 February 2015 | access-date = 16 October 2015 }}</ref> Michael Garrick, Tom Cawley and Jim Mullen.<ref name=":0" />

== Early life == Kerr lived with her older sister Jane and younger brother Andrew in the western suburbs of Brisbane, where they were raised by their mother, Joy Seib. Kerr began singing lessons at age 10 with teacher Joy Mills and later with Colin Keats in St. Lucia.

Kerr was encouraged by her mother to perform and she entered many singing competitions. Trudy was a Grand Finalist in the Australian Talent TV Show “The Have a Go Show”. Trudy also played Nancy in the stage show Oliver in her Toowong High School Performance.

After leaving school Kerr began a two-year residency at “Neptunes in the Valley” a large Brisbane restaurant where she performed all genres of music but was introduced to jazz repertoire. Kerr continued to perform in bands around the Brisbane area most notably Mango Bop and the Pedestrians.

Trudy also held a residency in Port Vila, Vanuatu for a year in 1989.

== Voice coaching and teaching ==

As of 2004 Kerr taught a BA course in singing at Colchester Institute, Essex.<ref name="Carr"/> She has held teaching positions at Trinity Laban, Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Chichester University and London Centre of Contemporary Music.<ref name=":0"/> She is a voice coach for young vocalists in various genres.

== Radio presenting ==

Trudy co-presents BBC Across the South’s ''Jazz Hour'',<ref>{{Cite web|title = 08/07/2012, Jazz Line-Up - BBC Radio 3|url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01kjtwq|website = BBC|access-date = 2015-10-14}}</ref> on a Tuesday night with Roger Day where she plays the latest UK releases as well as classic jazz recordings.

== Discography ==

{| class="wikitable" |- ! Year !! Album details |- | 1997 || ''Sweet Surprise'' (FMR Records) |- | 1998 || ''Trudy'' (Jazzizit Records) |- | 2000 || ''Day Dream'' (Jazzizit Records) |- | 2001 || ''My Old Flame'' (Jazzizit Records) |- | 2005 || ''Cloudburst'' (Jazzizit Records) |- | 2006 || ''Jazz for Juniors'' (Jazzizit Records) |- | 2007 || ''Deja Vu'' (Jazzizit Records) |- | 2009 || ''Like Minds'' (Jazzizit Records) |- | 2010 || ''Reunion'' <small>(by Trudy Kerr and Ingrid James)</small> (Jazzizit Records) |- | 2012 || ''The Rhythm of Life'' (Jazzizit Records) |- | 2015 || ''Contemplation'' (compilation album) (Jazzizit Records) |}

== References ==

== External links ==

* {{Official website|trudykerr.com}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Kerr, Trudy}} Category:Australian jazz singers Category:Australian women jazz musicians Category:Australian radio presenters Category:Australian women radio presenters Category:Australian music educators Category:Australian women music educators Category:Australian women jazz singers Category:1963 births Category:Living people

Trudy Kerr

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