I first stumbled across jazz/soul diva Louise Golbey back in 2008 whilst playing a gig in Kentish Town. I had just finished destroying everyone’s faith in live music when, up next on stage, stepped the modest and smiley figure that was Louise Golbey. In a flash the crowd was quiet. Their ears and attention engaged by this little piano-playing brunette who sat before them. No drunken shouts. No shuffling of feet. No whispered conversations. Just the rich, soulful vocals of a little lady from Bournemouth. Job done, faith restored.
Where as since those heady days my career has coughed and spluttered into oblivion, Louise’s career has – as expected - gone from strength to strength. She frequently performs (now with full band) on the live soul/jazz circuit, playing regularly at many legendary venues (Ronnie Scotts, The Hippodrome, The Jazz Café), has worked on tracks with Example and The Newham Generals and supported and shared the stage with a number of acclaimed artists including Jessie J, Paloma Faith, Katy B, Mikill Pane, Lianne La Havas, Ryan Keen and Anthony David (at both Bush Hall and Islington Assembly). Believe me, the CV is bigger than this, but I couldn’t fit it all in. I haven’t even mentioned she’s played both Glastonbury and Isle of Wight (he has now!).
Not bad for someone who isn’t a household name. I get the feeling that LG is one song away from being thrust into all our lives.
So if you’re a soulster, have jazz tendencies, or perhaps even a sucker for real singing voices, then Louise Golbey is definitely someone worth checking out. For gig information visit her site here. You can also buy her music on iTunes
Check out Louise’s new video ‘Up To Me’