Image by Lady Walker / New Orleans.
Biography
Arriving in Edinburgh fresh from her expat home in New Orleans, Scotland-born Ali Affleck found that no vocalists in her homeland were performing in her beloved old jazz and classic blues style.
Fast forward 12 years and she has earned her place as doyenne of the scene.
Guided by her work as a jazz historian and author, Ali is a true storyteller in her vocal delivery, with an expressive, smoky and controlled vocal style reminiscent of Carmen McRae blended with a young Billie Holiday: "The spirit of Bessie Smith in the 21st century" (LA Times).
Her wide range vocal caresses the lyric, finds the sweetest centre of the song and swings brightly, all without ego or frivolous embellishment. Few vocalists can convey this ocean of emotion - she is one of the most distinctive and colourful voices on the scene today.
“Scotland's Queen of Vintage Jazz & Blues” (OCWeekly) won Best Jazz Vocalist in the 2014 Scottish Jazz Awards, and she works worldwide with top young musicians who are creating a global stir in the early jazz/blues traditions.
She leads the all-female Traveling Janes and The Rhythm Rascals Collective, as well as fresh new collaboration The Spicy L’il Devils.