WE WELCOME YOUR COMMENTS
Nervous, expectant, worried, nauseous, excited - and that was just the friend I cajoled into coming along with me to my first singers' night at the Tatty Bogle in Autumn 2002. I think he was worried that he would have to pretend that I had done ok and he's not very good at pretending.  But it was fantastic. I sang "I've got The World On A String" and it really felt like I had. I loved it and have been hooked ever since. Singers’ Night has given me the opportunity to sing with some of the UK's top musicians at some fantastic London venues. It has also introduced me to a fantastic group of people who are just as excited about singing as I am. In 2006 I completed the Jazz Postgraduate Course at The Guildhall School of Music and Drama. It was a mad three years but the journey continues...  Exhilarated, excited, buzzing, energised, full of life - that's me every time I get a chance to sing.

Rachel Brand, Singer/recent graduate of Guildhall School of Music and Drama



I think that Singers' Night is a fantastic opportunity to perform in a relaxed atmosphere. I can try out new material and all the singers are so encouraging and positive that it always feels like a wonderful night out has been had by all.

Long gone are the days when communities would stand around the pub piano having a singalong. Yet our close-knit community is bonded by respect for each other and love of the music. We all just love to sing!

Melody Bridges, Singer



For me Singers' Night is like an extended family where I can develop my talent and showcase my songs in a relaxed, friendly and encouraging atmosphere. It is a valuable pool of information and resources and a launch pad for a successful career in jazz. The friendship I developed with Chris and some of the members will last a lifetime. Thank you for a wonderful, eagerly anticipated monthly event.
 
Lili Davies, singer/songwriter



I think that Open Mic Groups play an important part in the promotion of Jazz for singers. They provide a meeting place for potential singers to meet others and more importantly gives them the opportunity to perform with skilled musicians. The workshops that often arise if run by highly skilled singers and musicians, offer a great training ground. I think I gained much by attending these. The introduction to good teachers is another great advantage. Long may Open Mic. Nights flourish and thanks to people like Estelle Kokot who established the Earls Court Group and Chris Legee who has tirelessly kept the group together. Incidentally I've met some lovely people and made good and lasting friendships.

Iris Festenstein, Professional  Vocalist



Singers' Night has made an invaluable contribution to my progress as an aspiring (and perspiring) jazz singer and Estelle is to be congratulated on initiating the idea - is it 11 years already?

From Pizza Express, Earls Court, to Tatties - surely everyone's favourite venue - to various byways to Nelson, Singers' Night is more than just another performance venue. It's a rehearsal studio, a fund of advice, a gig connection, a social scene.....the list goes on.

Thank you, Chris, for all your dedication, enthusiasm, and joie de vivre. We couldn't have made it without you.

 Allan Cinnamon, Singer



I am aware that not all of my students are destined to become professional vocalists or want to. Many come to me simply because they love to sing in the jazz style. Events like Singers’ Night provide a focus for the aspiring vocalist, a place where she/he can go to for inspiration and support whilst improving - the perfect compliment to my classes.

Shireen Francis, Professional vocalist/educator



Singers' Night is a very democratic affair.  Everyone has the chance to shine. This is not Karaoke!  It is an opportunity to sing with some of the finest accompanists in the country. Bring Clear Charts. Know Your Songs. (Have two in case someone else has sung one already). Meet the wonderful hostess with the mostest - Ms Chris Legee.

Fran Glendining, Professional Vocalist



Sharing words and music that you appreciate and love, together with like minded people, is just one of the great aspects of Singers' Night gatherings. You can also acquaint yourself with new material; thereby expanding your musical horizons. I'm sure we have all gained confidence from performing at these sessions. The pianists are always first class - which also helps! We learn from each other and come to realize that each singer has a unique something - which might not find expression elsewhere. So - thank you, Chris!

Jill Goldman, Singer/songwriter, showbusiness journalist /reviewer



Singers have to stick together and support each other with love and encouragement.  What better way than to have this wonderful Singers’ Night for singers of all ages, all sizes, all sounds.

Sheila Jordan, Professional vocalist/educator



Singing is a great vehichle for communal activity, so I started Singers’ Night, primarily to create an atmosphere where people who have always wanted to vocalize could have the opportunity to experience what it is like to stand behind the microphone and express their feelings, in an environment that is non critical. To listen to each other without judgement and to swap vocal ideas over a drink and a snack. To get together and just have a really good time without conditions or ambition....

Estelle Kokot, Founder of Singers’ Night, Professional singer/songwriter and educationalists



I was encouraged to attend a Singers' Night about 3 years ago by a friend of mine, having spent 8 years involved in musical theatre.  I had no idea what to expect and found a wonderful group of friendly people dedicated to jazz singing. The first night I sang there I knew this was something I wanted to pursue.  The encouragement and support that Singers' Night and Chris in particular, provides has proved invaluable and 3 years down the line, I find that my friend and I have formed a singing duo - The Pink Ladies and we have performed at several gigs!  Apart from the total enjoyment I get from singing, I feel part of a family of lovely people.

Catherine Lima, Singer



London has precious few outlets for singers to learn their craft - and fewer still when it come to jazz. What's more very few people put as much passion, love and energy into running singers nights and supporting singers as Chris Legee. As a life coach working with singers and performers its evident that events at which artist can learn their craft, stamp their mark and network with others is vital. Singers’ Night does just that. Long may it continue.

Rasheed Ogunlaru , Life Coach / Singer-Songwriter



Singers’ Night has given me the opportunity to stretch myself in a warm and friendly environment, singing the songs I've always wanted to sing with the accompaniment of some of the best jazz pianists and musicians in London.

Linda Poole, Singer

  

Singers’ Night has an special ambiance that encourages everyone to find their own voice and their own relationship with the song.

Bob Stuckey, Pianist/arranger, singer/songwriter



Singers from near and far gather regularly at Chris Legee's Singers' Night, in an atmosphere of mutual support and camaraderie. Singers who like to surround themselves with other singers, and singers who would like to sing publicly, but haven't yet had the courage, will find no better place for this experience than in the warm, encouraging and kind environment created by Chris. There is always excellent live accompaniment. Her many years of contact with singers and musicians of all levels, her sympathetic nature and no-nonsense approach to having a good time, makes her club a popular, regular event for many.

Eliana Tomkins, singer/songwriter/(JAZZ7.co.uk)


After years of singing occasionally, whenever I could sit in with good musicians, 1998 changed everything.  In the September I became aware that something called  "open mike"  could be enjoyed on a weekly basis,  and after being introduced to Chris Legee I attended my first Singers' Night at the Tatty Bogle in the December. I made these monthly opportunities my chance to try and climax my jazz adventures. In addition, it has meant discovering many other fine singers and great players in various venues.  Those two years on Sundays at the Pizza On the Park were particularly rewarding, and I was very sad when they ended. My horizons keep growing, and informing my jazz writing.  I look forward to my next time at Nelson.  Chris Legee is one of my very favourite people  -  she's a shining jewel in the jazz singing crown.

Les Tomkins, Singer/lyricist, jazz journalist and critic