Anjali Perin is a charismatic jazz and soul singer/pianist, songwriter and arranger, who weaves her own unique sound into a mix of songs she loves –from the great jazz standards to modern pop, funk and soul artists. With an uncanny ability to communicate with her audience, and a powerful, versatile voice which easily embraces jazz harmonies, improvisation and scat, Perin is an exciting and engaging live performer. Her musical roots established early on a sense of openness and discovery through improvisation, teaming her Sri Lankan musical influences of Carnatic music and Bharatha Natyam dance alongside her classical training in ‘Western’ piano, vocal and violin. Coupled with her expressive voice, musicianship, and a ready wit, she always engages her audiences and leaves them wanting more.
She has performed at many great jazz venues around the UK and Europe and festivals including with her originals band as part of the Love Supreme Festival in 2013, and in 2011 she was selected to perform at the Montreux Jazz Festival, where she was a semi finalist in the International Shure Vocal Jazz Competition, judged by Quincy Jones.
Her first album, ‘First Reflection’, featuring Liam Noble, Amy Baldwin and Jim Hart released on Jazzizit Records, was widely celebrated in the jazz press and counted Courtney Pine as a particular fan.
Anjali’s gig at PizzaExpress launches a project that is aimed at encompassing her Sri Lankan roots, weaving her musical influences through her contemporary songwriting. Her songs travel through everyday life, love and loss through poetic lyrics, gentle grooves, she will draw you effortlessly into her stories and make you feel part of them. Featuring the formidable talents of Ben Hazleton on double bass and tabla, Emiliano Caroselli on drums and percussion, Vasilis Xenopoulos on saxes and Anjali on vocals and piano/harmonium plus special guests.