Joanna Eden has performed her jazz influenced original music all over the world, with songs which have “melody, mystery and bite” according to Mojo Magazine.
Fun fact: she also taught singing to Sam Smith from ages 10-18!
This week though she’ll be bringing her velvety vocals to Clapham as she launches her new album Truth Tree, a collection that celebrates the artists who influenced and guided her from Joni Mitchell to Ella Fitzgerald, Tim Buckley to Nina Simone.
But first? You know the drill – give us your top five, Joanna!
Trouble in Mind
From Nina Simone’s ‘Pastel Blues’ album
This song is real-life therapy for me. It picks me up on my darkest days. You can’t still feel sad after hearing this!
Just Another Rhumba
by George & Ira Gerswhin sung by Ella Fitzgerald on her Gerswhin Songbook Album
This whole album is extraordinary! Arrangements by the master Nelson Riddle. It has over 70 tracks and they’re all amazing! But I just love this arrangement as it builds in latin-infused complexity. And Ella is just so playful with it!
Little Green
From Joni Mitchell of her Blue album
I’ve come to realise that songwriting is a gift to the songwriter as much as to the audience. We get to work through our issues, clear our minds. It’s catharsis. And this song is Joni processing the painful feelings around giving up her daughter for adoption. It’s a privilege to witness her truth.
You Can Close Your Eyes
By James Taylor from his Mum Slide Slim & the Blue Horizon album
The gentlest of songs… I like to think of it as a song for his children. That’s what I love about songs… you can give them your own meaning as a listener.
My Father
By Judy Collins sung by Nina Simone on her Baltimore album
So personal that I couldn’t believe she didn’t write it. I feel love, nostalgia, regret in every line.
Joanna Eden will be at Omnibus Theatre 4 Nov as part of our Sunday Music programme – get your tickets HERE→
