THE honey-like tones of local jazz singer Heather Simmons will be filling the air of St James the Less Church, in Hadleigh.

Heather, whose vocal versatility can pull off anything from a raunchy Bessie Smith blues number, to a velvety ballard such as Embraceable You, will join the concert’s regular hosts, Digby Fairweather and Tony Compton.

The event, this one titled Ladies Who Sang the Blues, is the third jazz concert this year at the church in Rectory Road.

Tony Harvey, concert co-ordinator, says: “Along with her great interaction with her audience, Heather is funny, knowledgeable about the era of the music she sings and is completely natural.

“She has sung at Ronnie Scott’s club, in London, and has performed with the Pasadena Roof Orchestra, Humphrey Littleton’s Band, some of New York’s top jazz clubs with Woody Allen’s musical director and many more.”

One of Heather’s fans is Don Black, the renowned lyricist of such songs as Diamonds are Forever, Born Free and To Sir With Love.

Don is reported to have been blown away by Heather. He is quoted as saying: “It is a long time since I have heard a singer who is so identifiable.

“She gets into the soul of the song and turns out to be a song writer’s best friend, capturing every nuance of the lyricist’s intent.

“This girl comes along like a breath of fresh air.

“I wouldn’t mind placing a large wager on Heather Simmons becoming a major international star, and for the sake of the music industry, the sooner the better.”

Ladies Who Sang the Blues
St James the Less Church,
Rectory Road,
Hadleigh.
Friday, September 20, 8pm. Tickets are £8
and are available on the door.