After a hugely successful and varied career encompassing music, comedy, impressions and drama, the multi-talented Kate Robbins has come a long way from humble beginnings in Liverpool as a cocktail pianist with cousin Sir Paul McCartney encouraging her all the way…
On Soho Nights, Kate revisits her musical roots with a rich fusion of jazz and soul sounds producing a beautiful album of self-penned compositions and collaborations.
On Saturday 30 June, Kate performs material from Soho Nights at The Pheasantry at Pizza Express. Here she tells Kingsroad.co.uk what the audience can expect and names a few favourite tunes by her celebrated cousin.
Tell us about your gig coming up at The Pheasantry
I’m singing and playing from collection of jazz standards and tracks from my album Soho Nights. I wrote most of the album myself and also collaborated with jazz virtuoso saxophonist Alessandro Tomei (who is flying from Rome especially for the gig) on half of the tracks. Also on this occasion, I'm so excited and lucky to have maestro guitarist Antonio Forcione guesting on stage with me.
I'll also talk to the audience about my long (and interesting) career and throw in a few surprises that perhaps people don't know about me!
What is your favourite shop on King's Road?
R Soles is my fave shop ... used to go there for my cowboy boots. And of course the pun is hilarious!
What for you is special about performing at The Pheasantry?
What I love about The Pheasantry is the dramatic sweeping staircase yet intimate elegant setting...
My audiences love the fact that they can hear every word I'm singing on the wonderful sound system. And of course Pizza Express do the best food!
What's coming up next?
I’m playing at PizzaExpress Jazz Club in Dean Street, Soho on Wednesday, 29 August. I really look forward to that gig - usually have a full house!
Also Cleo Laine's theatre, The Stables on Saturday 8 September is a fave of mine.
More gigs through October and November in Lichfield and the 606 Club in London on Thursday 1 November should be fun.
Keeping it in the family, can you name your five favourite Sir Paul McCartney compositions?
Of course I can! They are; Here There and Everywhere, Maybe I'm Amazed, Yesterday, Eleanor Rigby, and In My Life which I've covered on my album Soho Nights and which Antonio Forcione played on and produced.
Tickets for Kate Robbins are available to book online at PizzaExpress Live or by calling 08456 027 017.
Video: Kate Robbins - Soho Nights
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