Join Jazz at The Lescar for an utterly unique gig, an electrifying pairing of UK music legend, vocalist Cleveland Watkiss, alongside wonderful tap dancer Petra Haller. A one-off performance bringing together the groundbreaking synergy of Watkiss's virtuosic vocal range and Haller’s innovative tap.
With roots in Hackney, East London, and a global career spanning collaborations with the likes of Stevie Wonder, Wynton Marsalis, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Art Blakey, Sly & Robbie, Abdullah Ibrahim, Courtney Pine, Soul II Soul, Goldie, Cassandra Wilson, the Kenny Wheeler Big Band, Talvin Singh, and Bjork, Watkiss has been hailed for a voice that defies genres, weaving between jazz, classical, reggae, and experimental soundscapes. His versatility and curiosity have led him to stages worldwide, captivating audiences with his soulful VocalSuite performances and genre-crossing quartet, CWQ, and he was awarded an MBE in the 2018 New Year Honours.
"Best Male Jazz Singer in Britain” – Evening Standard
Alongside him Petra Haller is an artist making a real impact on the UK scene, treating tap as a distinct instrument, creating rhythms that bring depth, texture and energy to the music, and inviting the audience into a world where dance becomes the beat itself. Working alongside some of jazz's leading musicians and with a reputation for her boundary-pushing solo projects, Petra visited The Lescar last year with pianist Meg Morley, a truly memorable night.
“Petra Haller is unique as an improvising tap dancer – a worthy successor to Will Gaines.” – Oliver Weindling, Vortex Jazz Club/babel label
Together, Watkiss and Haller transform each improvisation into a narrative, an interplay of voice and movement that connects past and present, tradition and innovation. Join Jazz at The Lescar for an evening that celebrates the art of improvisation and the power of creative collaboration. Two artists uniting in a performance that’s sure to be as unpredictable as it is unforgettable.
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