On Tuesday, May 29 at The Pheasantry, rising star Gabrielle Ducomble brings a unique blend of Gallic charm and lyrical melody to her debut at The Pheasantry on King's Road.
Born in Belgium, Gabrielle began singing at an early age with considerable success winning local and national singing competitions. In 2003, she became a finalist of French Pop Idol and was signed to BMG Sony (France). From this partnership came a double gold album.
Various pop collaborations followed but it was after hearing Dee Dee Bridgewater's 'Dear Ella' that Gabrielle was inspired to move into jazz. and to London.
Kingsroad.co.uk spoke to Gabrielle Ducomble ahead of her performance.
Tell us more about your gig coming up at The Pheasantry
We're going to feature numbers from the recent album "J'ai deux amours". There will be French songs, some tango - interpretations of Edith Piaf, Jacques Brel and Astor Piazzolla. And some jazz classics, of course.
I'm very much looking forward to the gig at The Pheasantry because it's the only London date on our Spring schedule with the full band: Nicolas Meier on guitar, Dan Teper accordion and piano, Nathan Mansfield violin and trumpet, Nick Kacal double bass and Saleem Raman on the drums.
We've been touring in Devon, Cornwall, Dorset, Wales, Essex and have some more dates coming up in the Midlands. It will be great to finally perform in London.
What for you is special about performing at The Pheasantry?
It makes me feel a little nostalgic. The Pheasantry is an important venue because it replaced Pizza on the Park which was also the first jazz club I went to in London... also my favorite venue.
Tell us about your history with King's Road
Actually, King's Road holds many happy memories for me.
When I arrived in London back in 2006, my first job was in Zara on King's Road. Whenever I'm in Chelsea, I'm reminded of my early days in London, and the beginning of what has been a wonderful, unexpected adventure.
What's coming up next for you?
I have more gigs coming up with the band and very much looking forward to recording my next album with the recent arrangements of French songs and tango I've been working on...
What are your five favourite things about being in London?
London is so culturally diverse - I love meeting new people and hearing what are often incredible life stories.
There's so much quality music that I often have trouble deciding who to see... a very nice dilemma. I love that I have access to restaurants that serve frites with mayonnaise and cheese and charcuterie plates as authentic as in Belgium. I can attend a tango milongas every night of the week!
When I miss my family, it's not too far to go home to Belgium for a quick visit.
Tickets for Gabrielle Ducomble are available to book online at Pizza Express Live or by calling 0845 6027 017.
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