Fem Belling

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Last Show: Sunday 7 th July 2019

PizzaExpress Jazz Club (Soho)

South African born vocalist and violinist, Fem Belling, is a rising star on the international jazz scene and has become one of Australia's most formidable and in demand performers. Her African Jazz roots augment her unique musicality, choices and interpretations. “A breathtaking storyteller through music with some edgy scat vocals.”

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Belling's husky vocal scatting breaking the original's down to delectable, bite-sized morsels. In Belling's kitchen, she cooks up slow-food jazz" – The Music

"It’s impossible to ignore Fem Belling. Once you listen to her voice, see her perform, you know you have to pay attention, take in all that she passionately has to communicate, to narrate, to share." – Australianjazz.net

The jazz world hums with ubiquitous young singers revisiting the great American songbook. ‘Then one comes along with an instrumentalist’s refrain.’ A master force on old repertory, tandem voice and violin improvisation brings ideas from all angles to the familiar art of standard’s-singing. A sophisticated palate embracing unexpected genres, Fem has an energetic appetite for braiding musical styles. An award winning West End leading lady with a spectacular breadth of range.

Hailing from a musical dynasty, she has performed with many jazz greats, locally and internationally. Solo projects, collaborations & residencies at Ronnie Scotts (Lndn), Cleopatra’s Needle (NYC), Bennetts Lane, Jazz Lab, Paris Cat, The Royal Variety Show, North Sea Jazz Fest, Hong Kong Jazz Fest, Melbourne Int Jazz Fest , WOMAD, Stonnington Jazz Fest, White Night, Port Fairy Fest, Joy of Jazz (SA), Madajazzcar,. 

She has performed alongside Gregory Porter, Emanuel Harrold, Reggie Watts, Shalosh Trio, Joe Chindamo, John Foreman, Hugh Masekela, The Public Opinion Afro Orchestra (ARIA nomination)

Her album ‘Now Then’ garnered a Best Jazz Album Nominee at The Age Music Awards and she received 5 VITA Awards. Her lead roles in West End shows include Hairspray, Fame, and Footloose as well as International shows such as 'Little Shop of Horrors', 'Nunsense' and 'Cats' & Liza Minnelli in 'The Boy From Oz’

“Bloody Brilliant – @#*% incredible” – Robbie Williams

"With raw, Macy Gray-like vocal edges, a tempered rhythm and cerebral-deep smooth grooves, this songstress holds us transfixed long after her final note" – Ching Pei Khoo (The Music)

“Belling’s prodigious vocal control – truly a chill- inducing performance” – Artshub

"Belling is a pocket rocket with a versatile vocal palette and a gift for improvisation. If it's music you want to hear, you won't be disappointed by these lush and limber jazz styling’s" – The Herald Sun

“I believe a new musical star was born on stage last night” – SA Tonight

“Once Fem walks onto the stage you are under her spell.” - The Age

“Belling is an exceptional talent with a compelling presence and versatile, powerful voice” - the Herald Sun