Words by Art Jefferson
Images courtesy of Zara McFarlane
To listen to Zara McFarlane sing is like being blessed by the first feeling of warmth of the morning sun. This is more than just an appreciation – this is beauty in all of its glory. It also begins to become vividly clear why McFarlane is not only looked upon in the same light as past jazz greats, but is considered to be one of the leading artists of the current generation of UK jazz vocalists. Her confidence is evident while her glowing smile creates a comforting welcome into her world. Unafraid to push the depths of her voice, Zara McFarlane is the singer’s singer who understands the true power that music has to offer as well as her ability and importance to deliver it in its purest form.
Born and raised in the borderline Essex and East London situated town of Dagenham, Zara McFarlane grew up surrounded by the sounds of reggae and soul. Possessing what could be considered a golden voice, she eventually went on to study Musical Theatre at the ever popular BRIT School in Croydon. Developing a love for jazz music as a teenager, McFarlane continued her education at Tech Music School in West London before concentrating on jazz-based studies.
Having met Gilles Peterson back in 2010, it didn’t take long before the influential label boss, DJ and radio personality signed Zara McFarlane to Brownswood Records. In 2011, she released her debut album “Until Tomorrow” which earned her a MOBO Award nomination. The beautiful recording also reflected her uncanny ability to master various vocal styles and techniques over a jazz platform.
Zara McFarlane’s latest album “If You Knew Her” showcases her brilliance as a songwriter, as well as pays homage to the masters of the past with a cover of Nina Simone’s “Plain Gold Ring”. McFarlane also delves into her love of reggae music with a lush jazz version of Junior Murvin’s “Police & Thieves”. Sultry at times, playful at others, tearfully beautiful during moments, “If You Knew Her” displays Zara McFarlane at her best, comfortably owning her place and space in music. It also helps to confirm that she is more than just an amazing artist, but rather a gift from above.
This year Zara McFarlane will headline the SunSplash Festival along with Gilles Peterson, Osunlade, Patrick Forge, Phil Asher and a number of the premier players of the jazz, soul, funk and electronic scene. Running June 2-7 in Bodrum, Turkey, McFarlane continues to bring her sound of jazz to a global audience.
Art Jefferson-You grew up in a house filled with everything from reggae to soul. When did you discover your love for jazz and do you remember the first jazz record that really caught your attention?
Zara McFarlane-I first began to take notice of jazz music as a genre when I studied Popular Music Performance from the age of 18, although I had listened to a few Billie Holiday records prior to that. The female vocalist that really grabbed my attention in my teens was Nina Simone. I heard the track “Wild is the Wind” in a movie and fell in love with it so much that I searched to find out who sang it and bought a compilation album of hers.
Art Jefferson-You studied at the BRIT School in South London as well as Tech Music School. You also teach classes. People who are born with incredible voices are often pushed straight into the recording booth without any proper grooming and training. In your opinion, how important is it to have that formal music education as an artist?
Zara McFarlane-It definitely depends on what type of artist you want to become and what genre of music you will be performing. I was trained with the intention of becoming a session musician. In that field I personally feel it is far more important because it means that you can be prepared to stand alone and do the job knowing what is expected of you in many formal and informal musical situations, and are able to converse with people in a professional way which helps to garner respect from those you are working with.
Art Jefferson-On your latest album “If You Knew Her”, you did a cover of Junior Murvin’s “Police & Thieves”. While you could have probably done a version of any reggae cut, what inspired you to do a jazz version of that particular track?
Zara McFarlane-I have wanted to do something with a reggae track for a long time. This was one of the stand-out anthems of my childhood. I loved the haunting melody, the bass line and the subject matter. I had ideas that I heard with developing the rhythmical aspects of the track and then developed the harmony with my pianist.
Art Jefferson-You were nominated for a MOBO Award for your debut album “Until Tomorrow”. Did you feel any pressure inside to have to create a second album with a similar structure as the first due to that high recognition?
Zara McFarlane-There were a few moments when I was sitting down to write a song and the thought did cross my mind of what other people’s expectation of the new album might be, but ultimately I was able to put it out of mind in order to create what I wanted to. It is important to create something that means something to you. Then when you get the chance to share it with other people, you hope they may see something in it that means something to them too.
Art Jefferson-You’ve been heralded as the new voice of UK Jazz. Does it feel like a lot of weight to carry, especially considering that you can be the person to reduce the age, class and demographic gap between those who currently listen to jazz and those who may not be as familiar with it?
Zara McFarlane-It is a very flattering idea but it is not an incentive for me to make music.
Art Jefferson-How has it been working with someone like Gilles Peterson? He’s definitely someone who has helped to plant a firm ground for jazz music in the UK.
Zara McFarlane-It has been great working with Gilles and his team. He is an ideas man is very open to try new things and take chances. I have learned a lot about the music industry, and making records through working with him.
Art Jefferson-You have also worked on a number of non-jazz related projects such as the Bopstar record “Captured”. Will you be working on any similar collaborative tracks in the new future?
Zara McFarlane-Yes most definitely!
Art Jefferson-Finally, what have been some of your most memorable moments throughout your journey as an artist?
Zara McFarlane-There are really small things such as when people come up to you and say that your music touched them in some way. That is what it is all about.
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http://www.gillespetersonworldwide.com/brownswood-recordings/
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