And all that jazz - An interview with Laura Riley by Emma Kreft
"I'm interested in singing songs that move me, in a way that moves people," says Laura Riley, a twenty four year old jazz singer from Bootle.
With emotionally deep, evocative vocals, combined with poise and confidence that suggests a much more seasoned artist, Laura has tantalised Merseyside audiences for well over two years with songs such as ‘On the radio' by Donna Summer and ‘River Deep, Mountain High' by Tina Turner.
"Songs such as ‘Heaven must have sent you' by The Elgins are very special to me because it gets my mum so emotional when she comes to watch me perform it. I also love to belt out ‘Saving all my love for you' by Whitney Houston as you can always guarantee it will bring a tear to someone's eye - usually mine."
Laura's passion for singing began when she was very young but she didn't really get noticed until her solo appearance in the Liverpool Empire Variety Show in 2006 which she later described as an "out of body experience." Since that eventful night she has been doing gigs in various pubs, clubs and hotels around Liverpool but that's not to say that her act is full of out of date songs.
"At the moment, ‘Valerie' by Amy Winehouse is the most requested by audiences along with ‘No-one' by Alicia Keys," she says. But even though she loves performing more up to date tunes her heart is still in the 40s and 50s. "I just adore Ella Fitzgerald and Gladys Knight because I grew up listening to them and I'm proud to be able to introduce my friends and of course the audience to this kind of music."
But has she ever felt nervous? "God yeah, when I first started gigging I was very nervous but as long as the audience is friendly I'm fine. My mum and dad come to every gig so the only thing I worry about before hand is how much money they're spending in the different pubs and clubs when they can see me at home for free."
And any ambitions? "I want to be respected as a singer and build up a good reputation, oh and work with a big jazz band." With that set of lungs and that beaming smile I'm sure you will do one day.
