Elaine is renowned for her classic interpretations of the great American songwriters such Gershwin, Jerome Kern, Cole Porter, Duke Ellington and Rodgers & Hart and of course, celebrated European composers such as Noel Coward, Michel Legrand and Duncan Lamont.
Elaine truly captures the heart and soul of a lyric;
“Few understand the repertoire or express with such dynamic simplicity…. When she sings a song as plainly as can, it still emerges gently swinging and imbued with the spirit of jazz Dave Gelly, The Sunday Observer
Raised in a strong musical environment, Elaine’s father was the well-known trumpeter, Leslie “Jiver” Hutchinson, a leading influence on the jazz and dance band scene in the UK from the 1930’s and onwards.
She began her career singing in her father’s band in her teens and then gained tough, but invaluable experience singing in working men’s clubs in the north of England.
Elaine has made numerous radio and television broadcasts with small groups, big bands and symphony orchestras around the world. She appeared alongside world-famous Trumpeter Wynton Marsalis at the Barbican and was featured in a much-acclaimed performance in “Story of Swing” BBC Promenade Concert at the Royal Albert Hall. She has made countless radio broadcasts and television appearances, most notably in the popular “Two Ronnie’s” TV series.
Elaine combined singing with acting in West End musicals such as “Cowardy Custard”, “Bubbling Brown Sugar” and both the London and Broadway productions of Jerome Kern Goes to Hollywood. She also acted in the National Theatre’s London production of David Hare’s play “Map of the World” Elaine was the proud recipient of the “Special Award for Jazz” from the UK All-Party Parliamentary Jazz Awards.
