The enterprising pianist and singer Wendy Kirkland is set to help lift jazz out of the pandemic doldrums, with a virtual online concert repeating the successful digital “Latin Lockdown” gigs she performed with guitarist-husband Pat Sprakes during the first lockdown. On May 22 they will be performing Latin Lockdowns Live to a virtual audience.

“The response to last year’s gigs was overwhelming”, Kirkland said. “Many commented that Pat and I were bringing sunshine to their lockdown and keeping them sane at a time when it was difficult to think positively.

Their sextet with Latin percussion and guest vibraphonist Roger Beaujolais will perform seven in-person gigs at the end of the year in Staffordshire, Essex, Derbyshire, Devon, and Cornwall,to be preceded by 10 live-streamed concerts from May, each with a completely different set list.

The sextet will be Wendy Kirkland (keyboards), Pat Sprakes (guitar), Wayne Matthews (bass guitar), Steve Wyndham (drums), Jon Richmond (percussion) and guest vibraphonist Roger Beaujolais.

“The project will be sorely needed for when audiences are allowed to congregate once more”, Wendy added. “We can’t wait.”

The Kirkland band’s two albums, Piano Divas and The Music’s On Me, have won this popular performer an even wider following.

The band will also be appearing live at Fougou Jazz on 26 October 2021.

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Reviews

“Terrific pianist and singer. Assured and full of surprises.” – ★★★★ Dave Gelly, The Observer

“She’s a jazz pianist and she’s a jazz singer, and does both with feeling and flair.”★★★★ Nigel Jarrett, Jazz Journal

“Kirkland expands her original creativity. Inspired, fluent piano.”  ★★★★ Ian Mann, The JazzMann

“Convincing, zestful, swinging. Refreshing tribute to those such as herself; Diana Krall, Nina Simone.” Jazzwise

“Kirkland impresses on every level. Superb. Recommended.” ★★★★ Matt Ruddick, Kind of Jazz

“Wow. WOW! A cracker – and brilliantly delivered.” – Linley Hamilton, BBC Radio