Colette launched her first album, titled "You Stole My Heart" in April to a jam-packed house and excellent critical reviews.
"The debut album from Colette Henry heralds the arrival of a jazz singer to be reckoned with on the Irish scene. What is most striking is the purity of her delivery and the warmth of her tone on a bunch of songs that thankfully avoid the usual treadmill of clapped-out classics. Her own compositions 'Damaged Love', 'You deserve better' and the title track suggest that Henry should also be taken seriously as a composer.
She is also an assured interpreter. See how she probes fresh depths in the Anthony Newley gem 'Feeling Good'. She is backed by appropriately intimate double bass and drums with Johnny Taylor's piano sparkling through. Better still we get a jazz singer who doesn't sound like she's singing love songs to him/herself. GO FETCH" - 4.5/5 stars - Jackie Hayden, Hotpress.
"Her debut album is proof of the wisdom of spending time on voice-training and style development... Lush Life has been sung by some of the greatest. Without copying any of them, Colette Henry interprets it in her own way, making it sound as natural as breathing. Her pure voice falls gently on the ear, while her precise diction and feeling for the lyrics bring out all the nuances of Billy Strayhorn's haunting song." - Grainne Farren, Sunday Independent 27th March 2011.
"We heart Colette Henry's album. It's an impressive debut that trascends genres and finds its own rather unique groove." - IMAGE magazine April 2011.
"Sublime Album, perfect late night music." - Ollie Dowling, Totally Dublin, March 2011.
"Good phrasing and secure pitching reinforce an intimate style that shows a well-crafted respect for the material. Fans should love it." - The Ticket, Irish Times.
Jazz vocalist and songwriter Colette is based in Dublin and performs with her band Colette Quartet around Ireland. They combine the seminal sounds of the great jazz masters - the emotional pull of Billie Holliday, the lyricism and lightness of Ella Fitzgerald and the depth of voice of Sarah Vaughn - interpreted with fresh musicality. The well-loved classic songs that have audiences swinging are interwoven with Colette’s original thematic compositions, so each show is an exciting rendezvous of old and new creations. Pulsing Latin rhythms, sultry soulful sounds and contemporary RnB grooves shift the focus to give the Colette Quartet a repertoire that is unique and refreshing. Whether it is in the surrounds of an intimate jazz club, a large scale event/wedding or a festival like the 2009 and 2010 Cork Jazz Festivals and 2009 and 2010 Electric Picnic Festivals, an entertaining performance of passion and precision are assured. A band best experienced live!
"Colette Henry is a fine new Jazz singer with crystal clear delivery and empathy for classic songs. One to watch." - Dermot Rogers, Dublin City FM.
"Colette is a bright young vocal star on the rise and proved a big hit in the Festival Club at the 2010 Jazz Festival in Cork." - Jack McGouran, Programme Director, Guinness Cork Jazz Festival.
To find out about upcoming gigs, or why not contact her - Colette is always happy to chat.
